More schools closing and going virtual because of Covid & illnesses

ATHENS, Tennessee (WDEF) – In previous years, we called them “flu days.”

But now the Omicon variant of Covid has made the illness situation even more acute in some area schools.

Most say they are having trouble finding enough staff to keep classes going.

So we have a new list of both closings and moves to virtual classes for the rest of the week:

McMinn County Schools: Closed Thursday & Friday “Due to the continued rise in cases of illness in our staff across the district”

Athens City Schools: Closed Thursday & Friday “Due to increase in illness with staff and students.”

Polk County Schools: Closed Thursday & Friday “Due to so many illnesses in our communities.”

Rhea County Schools: Closed Thursday & Friday “Our Custodial Staff will be disinfecting our buildings.”

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Hamilton County is one school system moving some classes to virtual learning because of rising illness.

But instead of closing all schools, the virtual move only affects some.

Of course the new state law in Tennessee only allows them to close specific schools with clearance from state officials.

Here are the schools affected in Hamilton County:

Due to the passing of SB9014 into law, we await further guidance from the state with regard to COVID-related school closings. Until further notice, all schools will remain open.DeKalb County Schools will transition to remote learning tomorrow and Friday, due to a staffing shortage.

School systems in Georgia and Alabama do not face such state supervision.

So several have chosen to move to virtual learning this week because of illness:

DeKalb County, AL: remote learning Thurs & Friday “due to a staffing shortage on the majority of our campuses.”

Dade County, GA: continue virtual classes on Thursday

Murray County, GA: distance learning Thursday & Friday ONLY FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

School leaders explain to parents why the elementary schools are exempt.