Due to an “unprecedented spike in COVID cases and hospitalizations over the last 48 hours,” Christian County Public Schools has postponed the return to in-person instruction until Monday, Jan. 11, the district announced Tuesday afternoon in a press release.
The alternative date for returning to in-person classes was approved by the school board on Dec. 17, when the board also voted 4-to-1 to return to in-person instruction under an “aggressive advisory hybrid” plan.
Instead, students will learn via non-traditional, remote instruction from Jan. 6 through 8. Teachers will continue to report to their school buildings to facilitate online instruction.
“Our intent is to bring students back every day we can, but at this time, we feel that working with the community to lessen the spread of COVID so that our staff and students are safe is a priority,” Superintendent Chris Bentzel said in the release, which noted he’d been in contact with school board members and community leaders regarding the decision. “We need everyone to follow safe practices so our students can return to school. We ask that students and families remain flexible during this time.”
Prior to the announced delay, students had been scheduled to return to in-person instruction on Jan. 6.
A surge in cases, hospitalizations
On Monday, the Christian County Health Department confirmed 90 new coronavirus cases — the second-highest number of cases reported in a single day. Monday’s report came on the heels of the county setting a record for the highest-ever seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases. On Saturday, the metric reached 56.7, which represents nearly 400 new confirmed cases over the course of a week.
As of mid-afternoon Tuesday, a daily update had not yet been provided by the Christian County Health Department.
For the fourth day in a row Tuesday, COVID-19 hospitalizations at Jennie Stuart Medical Center reached a record high. After spiking over the weekend, the number of patients being treated for coronavirus grew to 40, shattering previous records. Prior to this weekend, the highest the total had reached was 31 — a level that had already put the hospital under significant strain.
- COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS: Read Hoptown Chronicle’s coverage on how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting Jennie Stuart Medical Center
Athletics, extracurriculars canceled
Last week, the district announced attendance would be limited for winter sports events, and, this weekend, district officials announced that Christian County High School would delay the start of the boys basketball season after a player tested positive for COVID-19.
According to Tuesday’s release, all extracurricular and sports activities, including practices, have been canceled until in-person instruction resumes.
Meal distribution to continue on schedule
Each school also will maintain its regular meal schedule during NTI and will distribute three-meal bundles daily from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Distribution locations are on the CCPS website.
The district plans to provide an update to parents and community members on Friday, according to the release.
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
