NEWS

COVID-19: An Evolving Situation

04.15.20

“For a while, life is not going to be [normal] in the US. We have to just accept that if we want to do what’s best for the American public.”

– Dr. Anthony Fauci
Director, National Institute of Allergy & Infections Diseases

YDO has been fully aware and cautious of the role we play in bringing together scores of students from dozens of different schools on a daily basis to work in small groups. The nature of our operations, in fact, means that we have a heightened responsibility to protect against viral transmission.

Steps YDO has taken:

• For weeks, we have been amplifying the basics: better handwashing, fewer high fives, extra cleaning of vans & high-touch surfaces, etc.
• We halted Winter Term programs as of Thursday 3/12
  • State Science Olympiad competition was cancelled
  • Regional Destination Imagination competition was cancelled
• We have closed our office to all group programs, meetings and gatherings for the next two weeks
  • Senior staff will take this time to perform additional cleaning and preparatory work for ongoing flexibility
• We are planning for an abbreviated Spring Term
  • ~6 weeks to begin no earlier than April 27th
  • Registrations will begin no earlier than March 30th
• We have adjusted YDO Summer staff recruiting processes
  • Returning staff applicants will be interviewed via video conference
  • Applicants new to YDO are invited to reschedule tours and in-person interviews for later in April
• We are communicating with our college students sent home from campuses to assess their needs & determine how best to support them

All decisions to resume student programming are subject to change and will be determined with consideration for emerging facts and community safety.

Anyone with questions can write to info@ydolawrence.org.

Phone calls to the YDO office will only be answered by voicemail. 

For up-to-date local information:

• Check WeAreLawrence.org for announcements from Mayor Rivera and other organizations.
• Lawrence General Hospital has set up a Community Screening Line (978-946-8409) to support residents who may need testing/care.