After taking into consideration advice and information from the Mississippi State Department of Health and the State Department of Education, officials with the Vicksburg Warren School District have decided to resume classes Monday as scheduled.

The decision was made after lengthy discussions in response to concerns about the threat posed by the spread of the coronavirus.

“We are working with the Department of Education and the Mississippi State Department of Health and they are not recommending school closures at this point,” Vicksburg Warren School District spokesperson Christi Kilroy said. “We are following the lead and the recommendations of those state agencies.”

Kilroy did say the district would be adhering to the recommendations from state health officials, one of which included eliminating gatherings of 250 people or more, including any assemblies.

“Recommendations from MSDH include staying informed with current, accurate information on msdh.ms.gov; avoid any mass gatherings with 250 or more people, including school assemblies and athletic events; and to share good hygiene practices with students and staff,” the district said in an update placed on its website Thursday afternoon.

She also added that even before the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Mississippi was announced Wednesday evening, officials had already taken additional steps to clean and disinfect schools and facilities within the district.

The district partnered with ABM, who uses the Clorox Total 360 System to clean and disinfect classrooms and facilities. Kilroy said the company and systems had been used earlier in the year at schools that had experienced increased numbers of flu cases and saw tremendous results.

VWSD’s Dr. Cedcric Magee also said Thursday the district was taking the additional step of having each of the buses in the district’s fleet cleaned and disinfected with the same Clorox Total 360 System.

The Vicksburg Warren School District has an estimated 1,200 personnel and more than 7,800 students.