Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland announced a return to virtual learning on Dec. 17, due to the increase in COVID cases in their schools.
The county began online classes from Dec. 20 and kicked off the new year virtually, planning to return to in person learning on Jan. 18.
“Educators, administrators and support staff must be able to deliver in-person instruction and other activities in conditions that prioritize their own health, as well as the wellbeing of the school community,” the county’s Chief Executive Officer Monica Goldson said in a letter. “The increased positivity rates have significantly challenged the ability to do so, causing anxiety among many school communities and disruption to the school day.”
Similar patterns were seen in counties around the area, including record highs in reported COVID cases at Marshall going into Winter Break.
“[Dec. 13-17 were] particularly challenging as we have seen a large uptick in COVID cases across FCPS,” Principal Jeffrey Litz said in a message to Marshall families. “[Through Dec 13-17,] Marshall High School had 21 reported COVID cases. Two staff members and 19 students.”