Title: School Districts Close Doors as Illnesses and COVID-19 Cases Surge
In recent news, three school districts across the United States have made the difficult decision to cancel in-person learning due to a significant drop in student and teacher attendance, largely attributed to COVID-19 and other illnesses. With the main focus on Magoffin County Schools in Kentucky and Lee County School District also in Kentucky, the impact of the recent surge in respiratory illnesses has been felt.
Magoffin County Schools in Kentucky will be closing their doors on Thursday and Friday as they grapple with widespread illness, including cases of COVID-19 and influenza. Similarly, Lee County School District in Kentucky will have to temporarily shut down on Tuesday and Wednesday, with non-traditional instruction days scheduled for Thursday and Friday. This decision comes as both districts face an increase in respiratory illnesses and a significant drop in attendance.
Scott Lockard, the public health director for the Kentucky River District Health Department, noted that the rise in illnesses during the initial phase of school reopening is a recurring trend throughout the pandemic. This highlights the ongoing struggle faced by educational institutions to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for students, teachers, and staff.
Moving outside of Kentucky, Runge Independent School District in Texas announced a weeklong closure after ten staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The concerning rise in virus levels was evident in recent wastewater testing, despite outdated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Presently, the CDC has reported a staggering number of 1.1 million deaths and 6.3 million hospitalizations due to COVID-19, with recent increases observed in both figures. As a result, hospital admissions due to the coronavirus are expected to continue climbing in the upcoming weeks.
To combat the spread of the virus and protect against other illnesses, officials stress the importance of adhering to basic preventive measures. These include practicing social distancing, staying home when symptoms arise, practicing regular handwashing and using hand sanitizer, and properly covering coughs and sneezes.
Additionally, Scott Lockard recommends individuals keep their COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations up to date. For specific populations, such as those at risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), receiving the recommended vaccines is essential.
Furthermore, the impact of the pandemic on education has become increasingly evident. Test scores nationwide have revealed a plunge in academic performance, particularly due to chronic absenteeism. This issue persists even after pandemic-related closures have ended.
Eighth-grade students, in particular, have shown a decline in U.S. history and civics knowledge compared to previous years. Additionally, the reading and math performance of fourth and eighth graders has seen a substantial decline, painting a challenging picture for the education system.
As the battle against COVID-19 and other illnesses continues, it is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety and well-being. By taking necessary precautions, we can collectively work towards creating a healthier and more resilient society.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”