PENINSULA, Ohio — Editor's Note: The above video is from a previously published story focusing on bus driver shortages at Akron Public Schools.
As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise throughout the state, it's clear that the pandemic is still impacting school districts across Northeast Ohio.
Woodridge Local Schools Superintendent Walter Davis has been updating the district's response to the pandemic almost daily with Woodridge families. Over the last three days, there has been an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases among students and staff.
On Sunday, Davis informed Woodridge families that one 9th grade student, one high school student and one elementary teacher tested positive for COVID-19. The next day, the number of students and staff that had tested positive went up to 12. On Tuesday, the number of new cases was at 16.
"These students and staff member(s) will be unable to return to in person classes and/or extracurricular activities until cleared by their health care providers and/or Summit County Public Health. While we must protect the privacy of the students and staff involved, we believe it is best to communicate transparently with you so you can make well-informed decisions for your family," Davis wrote.
In an email to 3News, Davis said that part of the issue the district is facing is exposure to COVID-19 that occurred within its high school basketball program. However, that is not the source of all of the cases.
Last month, Davis announced that Woodridge would be transitioning to a "mask optional protocol" beginning Monday, January 10th. Starting that day, masks will be optional for students and staff in the Woodridge schools.
"Although we still recommend masks - they will not be required - except while riding the school bus. Masks are required on buses as part of a federal mandate," Davis told district families and staff on November 24.
Given the new cases of coronavirus that the district is now dealing with, Davis now says Woodridge will reevaluate its plans after the winter break to determine if it will still go with an optional mask protocol.
More COVID-19 Coverage:
- Field Local Schools makes all in-person classes optional until end of winter break due to rise in COVID-19 cases
- Akron Public School officials announce bus delays for third straight day
- ‘Significant increase in unvaccinated patients’: Cleveland hospitals postponing some non-urgent surgeries as COVID infections rise
- A look back at the pandemic journey one year after first COVID-19 vaccine administered in U.S.