Gwinnett schools move to all virtual learning for next week over rise in COVID-19 cases

Gwinnett County Schools said it will transition to all virtual learning for next week after a surge in coronavirus cases throughout the state.

In a news release, the district said it will “monitor the COVID situation and its effects on staffing to determine its ability to resume in-person instruction on Monday, January 25.”

The district already scheduled Monday off for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

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“The decision to shift to digital is not one that is made lightly,” said superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks. “The reality is that our school system—like our community and the state—is feeling the results of the holidays and winter break. We are experiencing higher numbers of cases, suspected cases, and close contacts among our in-person students and staff. The move to 100% digital learning for the coming week will allow us to effectively serve students while also doing what is best for our students and staff given the current situation.”

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Teachers are expected to report to their schools to deliver their digital lessons.

“We understand that the move to 100% digital may create hardships for families. That said, we do feel that this is a necessary measure that will provide time for ill employees to get well and for those who are quarantined to be cleared for return to school and work,” Wilbanks said.

The district said it will release updates on Monday, Jan. 25 about the district’s plans moving forward.

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Cox Media Group