Here we go again
LOCAL SCHOOL CLOSES AFTER STUDENTS, STAFF TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
TEHAMA COUNTY, Calif. - As schools return back to in-person learning, rising COVID-19 cases at one local school are forcing the campus to close down again.
Action News Now visited Gerber Union Elementary to see how they plan to continue the school year.
Since returning back to campus on Aug. 11, the school has had at least 20 positive COVID-19 cases, which include students and staff despite requiring masks.
“We had about four to five classes and so we just decided maybe it would be best just to shut down for about 10 days, and revisit it and think about what we’re doing,” School Secretary Judy Grana said.
Now the school is switching to independent study starting Monday, but teachers hope it is only temporary.
”Last year, a lot of the year was spent in distance learning,” Eighth-grade teacher Cort Mitchell said. “I think we’re just excited that we were here for a few days and we’re hoping this will be just a short break, and then we’ll be back in person again.”
A week ago, students filled the hallways and students could walk into the classroom for in-person learning but now classrooms are empty again.
During the next week, Chromebooks will be provided to students to help with distance learning but teachers like Deanna Davis are already preparing to welcome students back.
Davis said she’s not ruling out the possibility of transitioning back into distance learning for a second time.
“I think that the biggest concern is just everyone being safe and healthy, and so we can't predict the future, but the reality is that that may happen, and we’re just doing our best just to make sure our we’re prepared and so are students,” Davis said.
The school plans to have students return back to campus on Aug. 30 and will conduct screening to keep track of new cases.
The school also plans on having students in stable cohorts when they return to minimize the spread of the virus and revamp the seating during breakfast and lunchtime. There will be plenty of hand sanitizer and masks on hand.
https://www.actionnewsnow.com/content/news/Local-school-closes-after-students-staff-test-positive-for-COVID-19-575141661.html