Four school districts return to virtual learning

By TONY FYFFE

BSN Editor

Students in most school districts in the Big Sandy region are doing their work at home this week due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in their counties. Superintendents in the Lawrence County, Johnson County, Paintsville Independent and Martin County school districts decided last week to resume virtual learning for all students as coronavirus case numbers continue to climb in their counties. On Friday, the Johnson County Health Department reported 20 new cases, which was the county’s highest single-day total to date. All but two of those cases were symptomatic. The new cases brought Johnson County’s total to 248 on Friday, with 52 active. Fourteen new cases were reported in the county Saturday and Sunday. The Johnson County Health Department reported Saturday that many of its new positive cases were connected to a revival at Victorious Faith Church in Prestonsburg that it said involved four churches in four counties. The department advised people who took part in the revival to self-quarantine for 14 days from their last date of exposure, monitor for symptoms and consider testing. “We are seeing a surge in our area and many churches and businesses have been affected,” the health department said. “It is urgent that we follow the guidelines. Wear a mask. Keep your distance from anyone not in your household. Wash your hands and high touch surfaces often. If you do not need to be out, stay home as much as possible to protect yourself and your household.” Also Saturday, the Johnson County and Paintsville Independent school districts announced they would switch to all virtual classes for the week of Oct. 19-23. Johnson County Superintendent Thom Cochran also said that he was limiting extracurricular activities to high school fall activities only as “all sports are either in or close to postseason activities.” “Any elementary or middle school activities are postponed until further notice,” Cochran said on the district’s Facebook page. Johnson County reported an additional 20 cases Monday, bringing its total to 282, with 81 active, including one in the hospital. Also on Monday, the health department and the Johnson County Clerk’s Office advised that people who voted in the lobby of the Johnson County Courthouse Thursday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. may have been exposed to COVID-19. “While we believe the risk to be minimal, we ask that you monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days and consider testing 5-7 days after the exposure,” the health department posted on its Facebook page. “Please call the health department if you have any questions or concerns, and thank you for your cooperation.” In Lawrence County, where all students were already doing their class work from home, Superintendent Dr. Robbie Fletcher announced Friday that the district would continue at-home learning this week as well due to the 24 new coronavirus cases reported in the county last Monday and Tuesday. The Lawrence County Health Department reported an additional 20 cases last Wednesday through Sunday. An additional three cases were announced Monday, bringing the county’s total to 140, with 47 active. Martin County Superintendent Larry James decided Thursday to return to virtual learning Friday after one new COVID-19 case each was confirmed among students at Warfield Elementary, Martin County Middle and Martin County High schools. “We will reevaluate the return to in-person classes as cases begin to decline in Martin County,” James said. The Martin County Health Department reported 16 news cases last Tuesday through Friday and 17 new cases Saturday and Sunday. Five more cases were reported Monday afternoon. The Floyd County School District continues to hold in-person classes, although several classrooms were placed on 14-day quarantine by the local health department, which on Saturday reported 13 new cases, which is its highest single-day total to date. Eleven new cases were added Monday. “October has been our highest number of cases so,” the Floyd County Health Department said Monday on Facebook. “We have so many folks who are symptomatic and beginning to become very ill.” Floyd County’s seven-day incidence rate was 21.6 percent Monday, according to the health department. “School goes virtual only at 25,” the agency said.