The Fort Dodge Community School District released a statement Thursday regarding coronavirus.

That statement says – Given the recent health concerns, cancellations of major sporting events and questions regarding potential school closings they wanted to provide an update regarding coronavirus and school practices. Fort Dodge Community Schools will remain open unless the Iowa Department Of Public Health, Iowa Dept. Of Education, or the Governor’s Office instructs them to close. If circumstances of the pandemic change, the district will follow guidance from those organizations on how to proceed. Students returning from travel in area with community COVID-19 spread must be in self isolation for 14 days prior to returning to school. The District will not count those days in mandated quarantine as part of the absentee policy or hold them against the student. If a child or staff member has been identified with COVID-19, local health officials will determine when students and staff should return to school and what additional steps are needed in the community. Upon confirmation of community spread by local public health officials and the IDPH, school cancellations or dismissals in impacted communities by implemented. The district says it plans to update families as new information becomes available to ensure student safety.