March 20, 2020 is the day life changed dramatically in Napa County and, with the one-year anniversary fast approaching, things are still out of whack.
Thatâs when a Napa County order issued two days earlier kicked in and required people to stay home unless engaged in an âessential activity,â such as buying food. Thatâs when the COVID-19 pandemic hit home with force and fear.
Optimistically, the shelter-at-home order was supposed to expire April 8, 2020. Instead, the county put in place modified restrictions that mirror state regulations.
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Those seeking protection against the coronavirus will have another place in Napa to turn to, starting next week.
Irene M. Snow Elementary School, at 1130 Foster Road in the cityâs southwest corner, will host an immunization center for residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, to be staffed by Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center.
Vaccinations will be offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the schoolâs multipurpose room, on days when in-person classes are not in session.
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The first vaccination clinic is planned for Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the second on Saturday, March 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Some teach in front of empty classrooms on campus at school.
But for many others, like Hayes Elementary fourth grade teacher Jen Spiteri it s home schooling in a new way. Well, I don t eat dinner at my kitchen table anymore, Spiteri said.
Her home has turned into a classroom.
She says she will do anything she can do to give the best education to her students.
She does this with the hopes they can be prepared to return to normal schooling soon.
Contrary to what many believe, she said, teachers want to be in person when it is safe. We want to go back too and we want to go back when it s safe, Spiteri said. We all want what s best for the kids and we all want to support them. But, no matter what, I think the kids are learning. The data, at least from my test results, show that they are learning.