Wayne County advises its schools to switch to distance learning until January 15

STRAIT – The Wayne County Public Health Division issued an advisory, strongly recommending that all public, non-public and boarding schools within county jurisdiction switch to distance learning until January 15, 2021.

According to a press release, the county recorded 1,170 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. The county has reported 4,185 new cases of COVID-19 since Sunday.

“We have reached a point in the pandemic that we were hoping the county would never see,” Wayne County Manager Warren C. Evans said. “This advisory is the strongest recommendation we can make at this time to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Wayne County has many close-knit communities and we cherish our time with our families. But with Thanksgiving next week, we need to redouble our efforts to help protect the most vulnerable among us, ”Evans added. “These tips are imperative to protect the health and safety of our community.”

County officials said Public Law 149 of 2020 directed school districts to develop learning programs to adapt to the pandemic and accommodate students to keep them safe. The health worker has the power to give an opinion.

The county said that due to colder temperatures, indoor gatherings and an increase in hospitalizations led to its recommendation to switch to virtual learning to prevent the spread of COVID. The recommendation is for “an age group that can spread COVID-19 without showing any signs or symptoms,” officials said.

“We are working closely with our school districts to prevent further spread,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, Wayne County chief health strategist. “Our intention is to protect schools, its staff and students from COVID-19.”

For more information on Wayne County’s notification and response to the pandemic, residents can call 734-287-7870 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or visit the COVID information page -19 at www.waynecounty.com/covid19.

See more: Back to school section

Read the full county notice below