Osmond schools closed through March 31

OSMOND — Following the recommendation of the North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) and ESU8, Osmond Community School Superintendent David D. Hamm and Principal Kurt Polt announced that Osmond Community School will be closed through March 31.

Roger Wiese, health director of the NCDHD, stated, “In light of the expanding COVID-19 pandemic and the recommendation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the limitations of gatherings and groups, it is my recommendation that public and parochial schools in the NCDHD health district begin a two-week recess, starting Tuesday, March 17.”

A minimum of two weeks closed would be necessary to disrupt the incubation and shedding cycle of COVID-19; however, Wiese said, schools should be prepared for a possible extension of this adjournment for a longer period of time if circumstances should warrant.

A statement on the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) website stated, “Effective Monday, March 16 all NSAA activity practices are suspended until Monday, March 30 and all NSAA activity competitions are suspended until Thursday, April 2.  These suspensions may be extended should the conditions warrant.”

With Osmond Community School closed until March 31, all activities are suspended, including sports, speech and the 7-12 band and vocal concert planned for March 23. It was also announced earlier that FBLA, FCLA and FFA state conventions have been canceled.