As the COVID-19 disease, otherwise known as the coronavirus, has been considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the world’s anxiety continues to increase. The death toll is currently at 4,613 people globally, and another 125,048 people infected as of March 12, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Efforts to control the disease have significantly increased. Among the efforts of slowing the spread, Douglas County School-sponsored spring break trips and activities have been cancelled. DCSD is even going as far to say that those who visit a foreign country over spring break with widespread transmission of coronavirus “will be asked to stay home for a period of 14 days”.
Sports that had trips planned to Arizona over break like track and field and baseball both had their trips cancelled. Jake Means, senior, and member of the HR baseball team expressed his disappointment with the cancelling of his trip. “It sucks you know, especially with this being my last year. I was excited for the trip,” Means said. “I understand why they (DCSD) decided to make that call, but it’s still upsetting. It is what it is.”
Like baseball, track and field also had their trip to Arizona cancelled. The team was planning on competing in the Chandler Rotary Invitational which they attend annually. Dominic Douglass, history teacher and co-head coach, shared his thoughts on the cancellation. “Obviously, the district and myself have the kids’ safety and health in mind, so I think that’s the good part,” Douglass said. When asked how he’d handle the suspension of spring sports, Douglass was confident the athletes would be accountable for themselves. He said, “April 6th we’ll hopefully be able to get back, and we send our kids workouts, and the goal is for them to complete those workouts.”
Those students also traveling to other countries have been asked by DCSD to stay home for 14 days before returning to school. Ariana Brecl, senior, is planning on traveling to Mexico for vacation shortly after spring break. “I’m not too concerned because I have my immunities and know just to wash my hands frequently to stay safe,” Brecl said. “I understand the seriousness of it and know what it can do to someone.”
Along with cancellations of trips, DCSD has made the decision to suspend spring sports until April 6 and also to proceed with online-remote learning from March 23 to March 27.
Zach Salcido, Staff Reporter
