HOLLIS – The ongoing Corona Virus concerns have claimed their first local school athletic event.

Hollis Brookline Athletic Director Rhon Rupp announced late Monday afternoon that last night’s scheduled Division II boys basketball tournament preliminary round home game vs. Laconia was postponed to tentatively tonight at 7 p.m.

The reason? The decision was made in the wake of SAU 41 schools being closed for today (Tuesday) by order of Superintendent Andrew Corey after he was informed Monday an SAU 41 employee is undergoing testing for COVID-19.

Rhupp said that he’s hopefull the game will be played as rescheduled. The schools are being closed so that areas of concern can be disinfected.

“This is unchartered territory for us,”Rhup said. “My hope is they disinfect the areas that they need to.

We’re going under the assumption the game will be played. Certainly at some point during the day the superintendent will make an announcement. We’ll play it when he tells us we can.

“We’re proceeding as if it’s going to be played. We’re hoping to play (tonight). We’ll see.”

Corey’s message to SAU41 parents was as follows:

“I have had direct conversations with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Commissioner of Education,” Corey said. “I have decided to close all buildings in SAU41 tomorrow, March 10, acting with an overabundance of caution. Closing for the day will allow us to disinfect high risk areas within the buildings. No decision has been made yet regarding the status of school on Wednesday, March 11. Additional communication will be forthcoming as we receive more information.”

Rhupp said he contacted the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association late Monday and informed them of the decision to postpone the game.

“They were in agreement,” he said.

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