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. 

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