The Laurel School District announced Thursday afternoon that due to the continued increase of Coronavirus cases in Jones County, and for the health and safety of their employees and students, they are temporarily suspending the Grab-and-Go meal service until further notice. The last days to receive the Grab-and-Go meals will be Thursday, April 9 and Monday, April 13 at Laurel High and Laurel Middle School 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
“This has been a difficult decision to make,” said Laurel School District Public Relations Director Lacey Slay. “In an effort to be respectful of the governor’s shelter-in-place order and to be in compliance with the CDC guidance for social distancing it became evident that this was a decision that needed to be made temporarily. When we have a better understanding of what the remainder of the school year will look like for us, and whether the shelter-in-place order will be extended the meal service program will be reevaluated. This is not a permanent shutdown, it’s just an effort for all to be mindful to stay at home and practice social distancing.”
Slay added that when preparing nearly two thousand meals, it becomes very difficult to practice social distancing and provide a safe environment for employees.
“It was time to make the decision,” said Slay. “We will look at it again as things change and new information is received about the cases in Mississippi, especially in Jones County.”