The Detroit school district will further delay its return to in-person learning after the winter break as the city’s COVID cases continue to surge.
The district informed families and staff that it will shift to online learning Thursday through Jan. 14.
“Unfortunately, the city’s infection rate continues to climb and now has exceeded 40% for a seven-day average,” the district said in a note to parents early Tuesday morning. “Once the city’s infection rate decreases to more normal levels, then we will resume in person learning.
The decision mirrors recent moves by school districts across the state and country as omicron cases surge. Lansing Public Schools announced it would move to virtual classes through Jan. 7 out of an “abundance of caution.” Ann Arbor Public Schools began the new year with remote learning and plans to return to in-person instruction by Jan. 10.
The Detroit district initially postponed the return to school until Jan. 6.
It also adopted a new COVID testing policy that requires students learning in person to consent to a weekly test. Students who do not submit to testing by Jan. 31 will be enrolled in the district’s virtual school.
Eligible students will be able to pick up laptops at their school Thursday or Friday or early next week, according to the school district. All laptops are expected to be returned before in-person instruction resumes.
This article was originally posted on Detroit school district shifts to online learning as COVID cases rise
