Coronavirus (not) on campus

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(Graphic/Joanne Haner)

With the recent declaration of a pandemic and a European travel ban, the COVID-19 outbreak is wreaking havoc on global and local scales alike. From competition cancellations to frantic rumors, Heritage is also feeling the effects of the coronavirus crisis. 

According to Mr. Nolle, dean of students, there are no reported cases of coronavirus on campus as of Thursday, March 12. There are also no reported cases of immediate family members infected with the virus. While rumors have been circling students and teachers throughout the day, Mr. Nolle puts them to rest and says they are all untrue.

“We had a rumor that there was a student who’s a model, and she came back from a show in Italy,” Mr. Nolle said. “As far as we’re aware of, that’s not true. [American Heritage] Boca is facing the same rumor about a student there.”

School president Dr. Douglas Laurie sent out a letter to teachers and parents yesterday afternoon. Parents and teachers can expect another email from Dr. Laurie this afternoon with updates regarding campus protocol. 

In terms of class scheduling, American Heritage intends to follow the pattern set by Broward County (i.e. if and when Broward County schools close, Heritage will do the same). Should this occur, Heritage will move to online course instruction for the time being. 

Joanne is a senior at American Heritage School in Plantation, Fla. As a third-year staffer and second-year editor-in-chief, she loves immersing herself in the journalistic field and writing for her publications. Outside of newspaper, Joanne is also co-president of the English Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, where she also serves as the student delegate state secretary. Among the other clubs she is a part of, Joanne is also secretary of the linguistics team and Chinese Honor Society, as well as treasurer for Quill and Scroll. In her free time, Joanne loves practicing her photography and going to concerts.