Kentwood High School and Covington Elementary will be closed Monday because of coronavirus concerns, the Kent School District posted on its website and Twitter Sunday night.

KSD Superintendent Calvin Watts – in his message to the school district community – said:

“Out of an abundance of caution, Kentwood HS and Covington Elementary are closed on Monday, March 2. We have mobilized our custodial staff to begin thoroughly cleaning & disinfecting both schools.The safety of our students and staff is our first priority.”

Furthermore, Watts explained that a parent of two Kentwood students was “experiencing flu-like symptoms” and is waiting to be tested for the virus. The family is self-quarantined at home, Watts said, and has been in contact with Public Health officials and are awaiting the test results.

Also, another member of the same family who works at Covington Elementary was not showing any flu-like symptoms but did work all of last week, Watts said.

Any further school closures for March 3, Watts said, will be announced by 5 p.m. Monday.

School district officials will continue to monitor the situation and update the public with new information.

Those with questions can e-mail communications@kent.k12.wa.us.