The West Virginia Department of Education released their updated color-coded county map on Saturday, November 21. While Pocahontas and Summers Counties remain designated as green for the upcoming week, Greenbrier and Mercer Counties have been upgraded to yellow. Monroe County has been once again upgraded to the gold designation, and Fayette County has been downgraded to yellow.
There are active outbreaks confirmed at the Glenwood School in Mercer County and jumping Branch Elementary School in Summers County, reporting two positive cases and seven positive cases, respectively.
Last week, Greenbrier County schools made the decision to transition to remote learning on Thursday, November 19, and Friday, November 20. When combined with West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s executive order to postpone in-person learning for three additional days after the Thanksgiving holiday break, students will have been out of the school buildings for 15 consecutive days (November 19 through December 3).
School officials in Greenbrier County are aware of just how challenging the pandemic has been for families. Through a message on social media, Greenbrier County Schools said, “This year, more than ever, we recognize the vital role parents play in education. GCS celebrates the contributions to learning that parents make each day and we thank you for all that you do for our students and our schools!”
Monroe County Schools announced via Facebook on Friday, November 20 that two cases of COVID-19 have been identified. An employee of James Monroe High School, and an employee of Peterstown Elementary School have tested positive for the virus.
“All those affected have been notified and are quarantined. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas have been completed,” the statement said.
Five-day meal bags for the upcoming week will be available for pickup on Monday, November 23, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Request forms must be submitted in advance. (The link to the form is available on Monroe County Schools Facebook page.) Pickup locations will be JMHS, PES and MVS.
On Thursday, November 19, Mercer County Schools announced that seventh-grade students at Bluefield Middle School has transitioned to remote learning until further notice. This was due to a positive COVID-19 case which resulted in a staff-shortage. On the same day, school officials announced that a positive case had also been identified at the Glenwood School.
Since Thursday, Monroe County Schools has further announced positive COVID-19 findings at Spanishburg School, Bluewell School, PikeView Middle School and Princeton High School.
Through a post on their Facebook page, Mercer County Schools said, “Contact tracing is underway, and those needing to quarantine will be contacted. Deep cleaning and disinfection of affected areas will be completed.”
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.