INSIDE: • COVID-19 forces shutdown of Waterford high schools
With increased cases of COVID-19 and the number of students quarantined at Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott, the high schools — including Durant — have shifted to remote learning through March 26.
“The decision to move our high school students back to remote learning temporarily was not taken lightly,’’ Waterford Superintendent Scott A. Lindberg said in a statement.
“We worked closely with the building administration and analyzed our current COVID-19 cases, the number of students quarantined, and our high schools’ attendance numbers. We then determined that remote learning was the best way to accommodate our students’ wellbeing and instructional needs. We will continue to monitor the data and keep our families informed on our next steps,’’ he added.
COVID-19 cases involving ages 10-19 have risen 105% in the state of Michigan in the last four weeks. Oxford High School, Oxford Middle School and Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest also had to shut down in-person learning in recent weeks.
“We want to be back to in-person, but we all have a role in making that happen. I urge all of our students, staff members, and families to follow all the guidelines set by the CDC, the state of Michigan, and the Oakland County Health Division,’’ Lindberg said. “Making the right choices outside of our buildings has a significant impact on our ability to be back in-person.’’
The state protocols include wearing masks, hand hygiene, social distancing and not gathering in large groups.
COVID vaccinations will be available to everyone ages 16 and older starting April 5.