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Whitaker Elementary Returns To Remote Learning In Wake Of New COVID-19 Cases

Whitaker Elementary School in Winston-Salem. DAVID FORD/WFDD

Whitaker Elementary School in Winston-Salem will close its doors following recent reports that three students and two staff members there have tested positive for COVID-19. The temporary shutdown follows two weeks of gradual opening under the staggered re-entry plan approved by the school board last week.

Across the district, pre-kindergarteners went back to school on November 2, kindergarteners followed on the 9th, with first-graders slated to return this week. But at Whitaker Elementary, five positive COVID-19 cases connected to the exposure of students and staff members last week means a return to remote learning until Nov. 30. During that period the school building will be closed for cleaning as school and health department officials work together to verify and track each case.

While staffing demands at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools continue to be met, there is concern over rising infection rates, and they're being monitored by local and state health officials. Currently, school closures like this one are treated on a case-by-case basis. This week the board will evaluate the re-entry plan at its regular meeting and determine if more grades should return to classrooms. 

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.

 

 

Before his arrival in the Triad, David had already established himself as a fixture in the Austin, Texas arts scene as a radio host for Classical 89.5 KMFA. During his tenure there, he produced and hosted hundreds of programs including Mind Your Music, The Basics and T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness, It's Familiar, which each won international awards in the Fine Arts Radio Competition. As a radio journalist with 88.5 WFDD, his features have been recognized by the Associated Press, Public Radio News Directors Inc., Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, and Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas. David has written and produced national stories for NPR, KUSC and CPRN in Los Angeles and conducted interviews for Minnesota Public Radio's Weekend America.

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