The Beaver Area School District has closed its schools and moved to online-only education after dramatic increases in the number of students and teachers required to quarantine due to possible COVID-19 exposure.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 10 students and 3 staff members had tested positive for the virus, with an additional 17 students presumed positive. A total of 163 students and 15 staff members are currently under active quarantine, according to numbers provided by the school district.
The district released a statement to parents announcing its move to virtual classes:
“Due to a significant rise in the number of students and staff who are required to quarantine or who are presumed or confirmed COVID-19 positive, all students will receive their education using the virtual instructional model for the next 14-days, ending December 1st. All athletics and use of facilities during this 14-day period have also been canceled.
This decision was made based on guidance from the PA Department of Health and the PA Department of Education. Specifically, in the last 72-hours, we have seen a 350% increase in the number of students required to quarantine and a 200% increase in the number of staff required to quarantine. Additionally, the number of COVID19 students and staff has nearly doubled over the same period of time.”
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