Wilson County Schools will be closed for an entire week, due to a rise in positive coronavirus cases throughout the school district.
The school district said the closure, which is an attempt to slow the spread of the virus throughout all schools, will end on September 7th.
“Due to the continued strong surge in recent positive COVID-19 cases and quarantines, Wilson County Schools will be closed all of next week – with intentions to return on Tuesday, September 7th. This will provide the district 10 total days to help slow the current trend of positive cases and quarantines. During this period, our buildings and buses will receive thorough cleanings,” the school district said on its website.
Furthermore, students will not be required to participate in a remote learning session, as the school system is using its “Stockpile Days” to allow temporary recess.
“While it’s not our desire to issue this closure, we do strongly feel that this closure is necessary based on our current attendance trends among students, teachers and staff. We sincerely ask that all our families, students, teachers and staff practice safe health methods during this time,” the district added.
Furthermore, other school districts are facing similar problems. Knox County Schools reported on Thursday that approximately 9,000 students were absent, largely due to the coronavirus.
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly harmed the education of many students throughout the state. Last year, the standardized testing scores of students across the state of Tennessee heavily declined. The results released by Governor Lee and the Department of Education revealed that scores showed a 5% decrease in proficiency since the year prior.
Coronavirus cases across Tennessee have continued to rise. Governor Bill Lee on Tuesday encouraged individuals to seek monoclonal antibodies treatment, if they test positive. Across the state, dozens of locations are providing the treatment to individuals with the hope of lowering the risk of hospitalization.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
