LA to get emergency powers to shut schools as outbreak worsens

One California doctor recommends for all schools to close

The Los Angeles Board of Education is set to give the superintendent emergency powers to close schools if the coronavirus outbreak reaches critical levels.

Emergency powers given to Superintendent Austin Beutner would allow for him to take actions without the approval of the school board, including shutting down the LA Unified school district, which is the second largest in the nation.

This power will be voted on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to pass, according to the Los Angeles Times.

During the meeting, the school board will declare a state of emergency for the district. The superintendent will then have the power to make decisions without approval, such as relocating students and staff or revising transportation to and from schools.

No person has yet to test positive for the coronavirus and is connected to the school district, but cases continue to rise in California and the Los Angeles area.

The University of Southern California in Los Angeles has decided to replace in-person classes with an online version from Wednesday to Friday as a way to prepare for any need to close. No cases have been confirmed on campus.

Dr Sam Fink, a primary care physician in the LA neighbourhood of Tarzana, California, has called for all schools to close as the number of coronavirus positive cases increases across the state and country.

In a Facebook post published on Saturday, the doctor explained how he's already worked with two coronavirus patients, one of whom is currently hospitalised, and it has influenced his recommendations.

"I have practised for over 30 years, and have seen it all, or so I thought. Nothing has worried me like this," he wrote. "I recommend to all who read this that you avoid going to large group events such as sporting events, and concerts. I believe that all schools should be closed immediately and classes conducted online, which is relatively simple."

Children have not been impacted as much by the coronavirus to date, but the doctor still worried about how the virus could spread from them.

"I know that so far, children infected with CV have done relatively well, but they might come home and hug Grandpa, who won't do so well," he added. "Avoid contact with others as much as possible. CV in the United States is at a relatively early stage, but it won't last there for long. Make sure you have any medications you need, as well as supplies, but panicking hurts all of us."

Dr Fink said he hope he is "wrong" about his concerns but thought "extra precaution" by people around the US could help protect people.

As of Monday, 97 schools or districts have closed because of the coronavirus, according to Education Week.

More than 750 confirmed coronavirus cases and 27 deaths have occurred in the US, and the number is expected to increase rapidly in the coming days as more people get tested.