Traditional calendar students return to Cumberland County classrooms
On Wednesday, traditional calendar students in Cumberland County will return to classrooms as the district tightens its COVID-19 protocols.
Posted — UpdatedThe omicron-fueled surge in COVID-19 cases is raising some concerns about the spread of the virus in schools.
Although parents and teachers from other districts are concerned, Cumberland County was the only local school district that met to formally consider remote learning amid the surge in COVID-19 cases.
On Tuesday, Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly recommended students resume in-person learning as planned despite rising case numbers. No vote was needed from the board.
Before his announcement, Connelly called the county's COVID-19 numbers "alarming" and said leaders are concerned that families and staff members have been exposed to COVID-19 during winter break.
As a result, the district will continue its COVID-19 protocol and tighten some policies, like limiting outside visitors and reducing attendance at extracurricular activities and sporting events.
Health officials said the county's 22.4% positivity rate is higher than the positivity rate in Robeson, Moore and Harnett counties but less than that in Hoke County, which is 23.3%.
On Dec. 20, there were 65 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, officials said. That number had grown to 106 patients as of Jan. 3.
Also as of Jan. 3, 150 staff and 37 students have tested positive in the district.
Even though around 65% of people 5 and older are fully vaccinated in the county, officials said vaccinated people need to encourage others to do the same.
There are 40 COVID-19 test sites available in the county along with the testing available in each school.
Related Topics
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
