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Clark County Public Schools will be returning to distance learning only, at least for Thursday and Friday of this week, because of the rise in COVID-19 cases in the county.

On Wednesday, Superintendent Paul Christy published a letter to “stakeholders” in the community explaining his decision to suspend in-person hybrid B group instruction through the end of the week.

“The number of positive cases and other factors in our schools and community have continued to increase,” Christy said.

As of Nov. 11, the Clark County Health Department had calculated the county’s infection rate as being in the critical or “red” status with 25.6 cases per 100,000 population.

He said the local numbers would not be reflected on the state website until all the local cases are confirmed at the state level.

He said the local case numbers would be evaluated daily, and the schools would continue to work with the Health Department using COVID-19 daily updates regarding Clark County’s status to determine what is best for members of the community. Residents will be informed by Sunday about a possible date for return to in-person classes.

All students will continue with distance learning until in-person instruction can be resumed, Christy said.

“During this time, all athletic events and practices, extracurricular activities and small group instruction in Clark County will be canceled,” Christy said.

“Staff will continue to report to their buildings at regular times unless individual arrangements are made with building administrators,” he said.

The superintendent said families may continue to pick up meals between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at any of the school locations except Clark County Preschool and Phoenix Academy. The meal schedule will continue regardless of in-person or distance learning.

Stopping the increase of local coronavirus cases and continuing to provide students with in-person instruction “will require all of us working together as a community,” Christy stated.

“Please continue to avoid crowds, stay at home when possible, wear masks, regularly wash hands, and maintain at least six feet of distance from others,” he asked. 

People may refer to Clark County Public Schools’ websites and social media accounts for updates and current school activity changes, he said.