Mat-Su schools closed next week; borough public facilities to be closed until 4/1

In response to the continued spread of COVID-19, including the first confirmed case in Alaska, the Mat-Su Borough government and school district are temporarily closing public facilities and canceling meetings.

At a press conference on Friday morning, Mat-Su Borough Manager John Moosey announced that borough public buildings, including sports facilities and libraries, will be closed until April 1^st.  Mat-Su Borough Solid Waste Division Manager Butch Shapiro says, as of now, transfer sites and the central landfill will maintain their normal hours. Emergency services will also continue to operate.

In addition, Mat-Su School Superintendent Dr. Monica Goyette says classes are canceled next week, effectively extending Spring Break.  She says all school-sponsored travel is also being canceled.  If schools need to be closed longer, Goyette says the district is looking at options for education.  She says the district is also applying for pre-approval of a waiver that would prevent the school year from being extended as a result of the closure, but adds that if the closure becomes longer, the school year might follow suit.

In the midst of the cancellations and closures, borough officials are urging residents to continue to use preventive best practices, including hand-washing, avoiding large crowds, and staying home while sick. They also urge borough residents to be cautious, but not panic.