Hours after the seventh confirmed case of COVID-19 emerged in Hawai’i, ‘Iolani postponed all on-campus activities until further notice, including daily classes. More commonly known as the Coronavirus, the newest viral outbreak has sent the world into a confused frenzy as politicians and officials struggle to contain the rapidly growing disease. After days of preparing students for the possibility of online classes, Head of School Dr. Timothy Cotrell finally announced to parents Sunday afternoon that the school would be suspending campus operations.

The suspension begins Monday, March 16, with no classes being issued at all to students as teachers attempt to rearrange their schedules and materials to provide learning to a virtual classroom. The following Tuesday will also have no classes, but students are asked to come to retrieve any materials they left at school. Finally, on Wednesday the first round of virtual classes will take place through the learning program Zoom.

If you have any other questions, ‘Iolani invites you to read more about school policy and the outbreak at their official Coronavirus Update page here.

With the ‘Iolani Fair and all ILH sports already canceled or postponed, it is hard to tell how long students and their families will be affected by the global spread of COVID-19. However, many remain hopeful that the situation will be contained before the school year comes to an end.