New COVID outbreaks reported at 2 schools

Of the 26 total COVID-19 school outbreaks in Michigan for the week ending Dec. 25, six occurred at two schools in Oakland County.

An outbreak, as defined by the state, is two or more cases that have shared exposure on school grounds and are from different households.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services releases the school outbreak data each Monday.

At Clarkston High School, two outbreaks were reported involving staff.

At Wixom Elementary four outbreaks appeared on the list involving staff and students.

That total is the same as last week when six outbreaks were reported at two Oakland County schools and a maintenance facility.

Case counts for schoolrelated outbreaks include those associated with before- and after-school programs (including schoolsponsored sports). When applicable, outbreak reporting also includes cases originating from on- campus and off-campus student housing.

Ongoing outbreaks continue to be listed at nine schools in Oakland County including Oakland University which has had 31 outbreaks involving both students and staff.

High school and college students across the state were banned from in-person learning starting Nov. 18 under orders of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. However that order expired and high school students can now go back to in-person learning after the holidays. Colleges and universities can return to face-to-face classes on Jan. 19.