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Coronavirus Update: Natomas Unified Getting Extra-Long Weekend, Schools Closed On Friday And Monday

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The Natomas Unified School District has announced they will be closing their schools on Friday and Monday over coronavirus concerns.

Berlin Robinson, a Natomas High School parent, said the cancelation is an overreaction.

"I don't think it's that dangerous of an issue right now," Robinson said. "My daughter is a senior so she needs to be here."

The extra-long weekend comes Gov. Gavin Newsom upped his guidance on his large gatherings mandate, which hopes to slow the spread of COVID-19.

If an event statewide is deemed non-essential and has more than 250 people, Newsom says it should be postponed or canceled — that includes sporting events and concerts, but not schools, which he says should stay open.

District officials say the closure means all field trips, professional development and extracurricular activities from Thursday afternoon through Monday are being canceled or rescheduled.

After school programs will remain in operation on Thursday, the district says. Officials note that Natomas Unified hasn't seen a confirmed case of coronavirus.

Newsom said schools are considered "essential" and, despite being a hub for germs, they do more harm when they are closed. He said he met with superintendents to find out how schools can stay safe and open, and said districts can make the final call.

The governor said not every school, especially those in rural areas, has the capability and technology to work from home.

"We have to think about the broader impact if we cancel schools," Newsom said. "That includes how we would feed students."

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