Coronavirus hits close to home

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
An increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Wyoming and recommendations from Gov. Mark Gordon, Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow, the Wyoming Department of Health and President Donald Trump have sparked closures and cancellations across the state. 
In a March 16 press release, Weston County School District No. 1 announced that it would follow recommendations from state and public health officials and close the schools until further notice.
The Weston County Children’s Center in both Newcastle and
Upton also announced closures following recommendations from the state to close until further notice. 
Following closely in their footsteps, Weston County School
District No. 7 made a similar announcement the evening of March 16, stating schools in Upton were closed “indefinitely.” 
Also adjusting the way their services are provided are the city of Newcastle, the Weston County Senior Center, Weston County Health Services and an array of local businesses. 
As part of the closure of Newcastle schools, Superintendent Brad LaCroix said, the district is going to do what it can to provide meals to those in need, as well as additional information on future decisions. 
“While some districts are transitioning to remote and online learning, we will not have any formal distance-learning activities as this approach does not allow for equitable access and experiences for all students,” the release says. “In the coming days, we will notify families through our website of any optional resources available for students.” 
The district has also announced that in an effort to provide meals for school-age and preschool children who otherwise may go without food during the closures, the Totes of Hope program will deliver food on Tuesdays and Fridays, according to a release from the school.
“Buses will run at their normal morning route times Tuesday and Friday to deliver food bags for students in need,” the release states.
In order to sign up for this service, families can contact either Eileen Vickers at 745-5914 or Jenny Willard at 308-760-2856. The release says that students do not need to be previously signed up for the Totes of Hope program through the school. 
In such an unprecedented situation, LaCroix said, there are a lot of uncertainties surrounding the school’s closures. Balow released information stating that she is exercising her authority under state statute to hold districts harmless from daily proportional reduction of block grant funding due to closures, he said, and that it included closures through April 3. 
“This waiver will reduce the 185 days of required operational days and the 175 required instructional days by the number of days that are currently calendared through April 3,” Balow said in a letter to superintendents dated March 16. “I will continue to evaluate and monitor the current situation to determine if additional approvals are necessary.” 
Services from the Weston County Senior Center and the city of Newcastle have also been adjusted during this time. 
According to Carolyn Shields, director of the Weston County Senior Center, the decision has been made, per recommendation from state health officials, to cancel all activities until further notice. 
“We will still be preparing meals for home delivery and curbside pickup,” Shields said. “If you want to call to pick up a meal please call by 10 a.m.” 
City hall will be temporarily closed to walk-in business to try to limit the spread of and exposure to COVID-19, at the direction of the Newcastle City Council and Mayor Deb Piana. 
“If you are coming to pay a bill, please choose the following options: drop your payment in the outside drop box, pay with a credit card online at newcastlewyoming.org, or pay with credit card via phone at 746-3535,” said Clerk-Treasurer Greg James in an email. “For new service or to disconnect, please call the city office at 746-3535 and for all other city business or for assistance, call the same number and we will assist you or direct you to the correct department.” 
 
• Look to the News Letter Journal website and Facebook page for updates and continued coverage of COVID-19 in the state.