Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Concerns over the rapid spread the coronavirus, which has reached more than two dozen US states, has resulted in postponement of accreditation visitations for three public high schools while the Health Department works with local public schools “emphasizing proper hand washing and sanitizing,” says Education director Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga.

Additionally, visits by the accreditation team from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) to four public elementary schools have been rescheduled, due to the COVID-19, which is spreading in the U.S. with confirmed cases in 33 states and the District of Columbia — as of Sunday — based on updates posted by the New York Times using information from federal, state and local officials. The numbers are being updated several times a day based on the latest information.

Matagi-Tofiga said over the weekend that the local Education Department (ASDOE) was informed recently by WASC President Dr. Barry Groves that “due to the concerns and issue associated with the Coronavirus” — Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High (NVTHS), Samoan High and Leone High — “accreditations have been extended to January 31, 2021” and “visitation will be rescheduled.”

Additionally Tafuna High’s mid quarter visit has also been rescheduled. Also rescheduled is the “full visit” to four public elementary schools — Faleasao, Pava’ia’i, Matatula  and Mt. Alava.

The rescheduled dates will be announced later by ASDOE after being confirmed by WASC.

With no cure or vaccine for the virus, local and federal health officials have emphasized the importance of personally hygiene — including washing hands.

“All public schools, working together with the Health Department, are emphasizing proper hand washing and sanitizing. All school principals and schools are encouraged to keep the school campus clean,” Matagi-Tofiga points out.

ASDOE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

In past years, public high school graduations are usually held the first week of June starting from Manu’a High School. However, ASDOE early this year made changes in the graduation schedule, as schools were required to shutdown early — around Dec. 8, 2019 — after the governor issued a State of Emergency declaration due to the measles outbreak.

That shutdown barring public gatherings was later lifted  and then followed by the usual two-week Christmas break, with schools resuming — as scheduled on Jan. 6, 2020.

Schools faced another one-week shutdown last month because of three devastating weather systems that affected territory. And parents are asking where the graduation schedule stands now.

Matagi-Tofiga said high school graduation dates remain — as released earlier: Manu’a June 12; Samoana June 15; NVTH June 16; Leone June 17; Tafuna June 18; and Fagaitua June 19.

“ASDOE in planning its calendar for the school year also takes into account inclement weather conditions,” she said.