East Ramapo schools closed for cleaning as 5 students are quarantined for coronavirus exposure

The news comes as health officials say two people who were previously under quarantine in Rockland tested positive for coronavirus on Monday.           

Rockland officials say they are from the town of Ramapo and were exposed to the first two cases in the county.

The county Health Department is not releasing any more information about those who were infected.

Officials say those students who are not currently showing symptoms attend Hempstead Elementary, Pomona Middle School, Chestnut Ridge Middle School, Spring Valley High School and Ramapo High School.

The Rockland Health Department recommended the five affected schools be cleaned, but the district says they are taking it a step further out of an abundance of caution and cleaning and sanitizing all of their buildings.

School buses are being cleaned as well. District officials say the company that operates its buses notified them that they have implemented aggressive cleaning protocols that includes daily disinfecting of high-touch surfaces. 

It’s not just schools that are taking extra precautions in Rockland. Spring Valley officials announced they are canceling all public events in the village until further notice due to health and safety concerns.

The East Ramapo school district says it is using two unused snow days while the buildings are closed for cleaning.