DANVILLE, Va. – Due to a surge in COVID-19, Danville Public School students will return to a virtual classroom the week after Thanksgiving.
The announcement came Sunday and follows a surge in coronavirus cases just two weeks after students returned to campus on a limited basis.
In a call to parents, interim superintendent Catherine Magouyrk noted that the latest cases involve two transportation staff members who tested positive for the virus Saturday. Three others were exposed.
That brings the total to seven positive cases since Wednesday, with 14 others exposed.
Her statement said that “while school divisions around us have seen many more cases, for DPS it could be a warning that a surge is around the corner.”
Danville Public Schools began a phased approach to school reopenings on November 9. A week later, COVID-19 cases were reported at least three schools.
Because of the increase in cases and a possible surge after Thanksgiving all students will return to virtual learning the week after the holiday break, Nov. 30-Dec. 4. School officials hope to resume face-to-face instruction on Dec. 7.
In-person classes will continue Monday and Tuesday, November 23 and 24. Concerned parents may choose for their child to attend virtually Monday and Tuesday instead of face-to-face. Thanksgiving break begins on Wednesday for students and staff.
Teachers will lead virtual instruction from school facilities, and staff members are to report as usual.