Schools closed

Governor John Bel Edwards signed a proclamation ending all gatherings of more than 250 people until Monday, April 12, in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak in the state. The proclamation, thus, closes all public schools in the state effective tomorrow, March 16.
“We are at an inflection point now and we are going to take bold action to minimize the further spread of this illness. That is why I am issuing this order today, ending all events of more than 250 people, closing our schools, and reducing the amount of face-to-face public interaction at state government buildings,” Gov. Edwards said. “In a separate executive order, I will grant Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s request to move our upcoming elections for April and May to June and July. The limits on gatherings of 250 people or more statewide is based on federal CDC guidance given the community spread which we are currently experiencing. These steps are necessary to protect the health and safety of the people of Louisiana from the risk of COVID-19.”
Also, on Friday, Bishop Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette issued a similar statement.
Pursuant to the Governor of Louisiana’s executive order closing all public schools in the State of Louisiana beginning on March 16 until April 13,” the bishop said in his statement, “I hereby direct that all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lafayette follow the same school closure schedule as stated in the Governor’s directive. We will continue to monitor this very fluid situation. Directives will be issued as warranted.”
“I ask that you encourage school families to remember all persons affected by the coronavirus by the recitation of the Rosary (individually and as families). Also, as we prepare to inaugurate a year of devotion to Saint Joseph, Protector of the Universal Church, let us pray through his intercession for trust in God, healing, and a speedy end to this public health crisis.”
Aside from all schools in Evangeline Parish being closed affected, the Boggy Bayou Festival has also been affected.
Board President Cindy Welch said in a statement, “I am very sorry to announce this, but this year’s festival will be cancelled for the original dates of April 2-4, 2020. We are meeting this afternoon (Friday) to discuss further plans. This breaks my heart. Please know that we will work very hard to come up with the right decisions best for all of us. Thanks for all the support.”
The Ville Platte Gazette reached out to Kate Adams, Louisiana High School Athletic Association Director of Communication and Media Relations, via telephone Friday afternoon on the status of high school sports in the state. No response has been given as of 3 p.m. on Friday.