JUST IN: Wicomico Co. Public Schools extend virtual learning until at least January 19th
WICOMICO CO., Md. — Wicomico County students will have to wait a little longer to return to hybrid learning. On Tuesday, school officials announced that students will remain completely virtual until at least January 19th, 2021.
The extension comes after positive COVID-19 have continued to increase through out the county and state.
Wicomico had started hybrid learning earlier this year, where some students split their time between in-person and virtual learning. It was just last month though that they cancelled any in-person instruction through the new year.
The Maryland Department of Health and Maryland State Department of Education have set health metrics for the positivity rate and new case rate to guide when it is recommended to have students in school. For in-school instruction to be feasible, Wicomico County needs to have a 7-day average positivity rate at or below 5%, and a 7-day rolling average of new case rate per 100,000 of 15 or less.
According to Superintendent, Dr. Donna Hanlin, the positivity rate is 6.93% and the new case rate is 33.23 as of Tuesday. Dr. Hanlin says the schools sytem’s current trend in COVID-19 numbers does not allow them to continue with their plan to have hybrid learning for Pre-k through 8th Grade on January 4th.
Officials say if the positivity rate allows, some students can return to school starting the 19th.
