PARKERSBURG — In less than two weeks, Wood County’s three high schools will officially say goodbye to the Class of 2020.

May graduation ceremonies at Parkersburg, Parkersburg South and Williamstown high schools were delayed a month due to a statewide shutdown of schools intended to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.

Those schools will hold modified graduation ceremonies next week, with Parkersburg South on June 25, Parkersburg High on June 26 and Williamstown High on June 27.

Superintendent Will Hosaflook met Tuesday with the Wood County Board of Education to outline precautions for the events and to ensure schools are following state and federal safety guidelines.

“There will be spectator guidelines,” Hosaflook said Wednesday. “This is a great opportunity we’re giving our seniors and our families, and we would truly appreciate them respecting the guidelines for the safety of all families.”

Hosaflook said schools are informing graduates and families of all the requirements, but much of the emphasis is in wearing masks which entering and exiting the event.

“That’s the time when social distancing will be hard to control, entering graduation and exiting graduation,” he said. “We really need people to wear masks at those times.”

Hosaflook said there will be marked and distanced seating for families and graduates, as well as marked entrances and exits, directional arrows and added security.

Among the other guidelines and restrictions:

* Schools will set a limit on the number of family members able to attend. That number cannot exceed four family members per graduate, and is contingent upon available seating at each location.

* No standing along a fence or perimeter, and no re-entry once a person leaves the ceremony

* Hugs and handshakes are not permitted on the stage and are highly discouraged elsewhere.

* Graduates should avoid throwing caps in the air.

* Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the area.

* Restrooms will be monitored limiting the number of people entering.

* Family members will not be permitted on the field.

* Family members and graduates should proceed immediately to their vehicles following the ceremony.

* Anyone with a fever, cough or shortness of breath is asked to not attend the graduation event.

Graduation ceremonies will be live streamed by the individual schools.

Contact Michael Erb at merb@newsandsentinel.com.