(MSC News)--Despite varying degrees of concern over the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19, most Atchison County schools are planning to hold classes on Monday as scheduled.

That decision was reached Saturday during an emergency meeting called by the Atchison County Commission. The meeting included officials from the NEK Multi-County Health Department, administrators from all Atchison County Schools, and a NEK-CAP representative.

During the discussion, Atchison Public Schools Superintendent Renee Scott said holding classes as scheduled would be in accordance with interim guidelines set forth the by the US Centers for Disease Control.

Superintendent Andrew Gaddis, of USD 377 Atchison County Schools, added that the CDC recommends schools not close until there is a positive case of COVID-19 in the building. Gaddis and the other administrators in attendance said that their districts are practicing extra cleaning measures with facilities and buses.

There was some initial push-back to this, with Commissioner Jack Bower suggesting they consider shutting down for perhaps a week or two, before a case arises. However, after some discussion, commissioners consented to the administrators’ belief that that they go ahead with holding classes. 

Also contributing to the discussion were Trinity Lutheran School Principal Lisa Brookover and Saint Benedict Catholic School Principal Helen Schwinn. 

On Friday, MSC News learned that Saint Benedict Catholic School in Atchison was extending its spring break by two days, to include Monday and Tuesday. 

Administrators also said that they will be in continual consultation with the Kansas Department of Education, the KDHE, and local public health officials, as the situation evolves.

Dr. Bonnie Tackett, who serves the Atchison Hospital and the Atchison County Health Department, was also in attendance, answering questions about the virus. Dr. Tackett stressed that if people think they have symptoms, they need to call the hospital rather than just show up to the emergency room.

Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge emphasized that people need to be fever-free, without medication, for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school following any illness.

As of Saturday morning, Forge said that there were no cases of COVID-19 in Atchison County and that none were under investigation.