Due to staffing issues involving Covid-19 cases and quarantined staff, Eastern High School and East Washington Middle School moved to e-learning today with the elementary school moving to virtual classes next Monday.
Washington Count has moved to an “orange” level after being previously in the blue and yellow status since the Indiana State Department of Health began tracking these changes.
Washington County crossed the 500-mark of cases since March yesterday and topped out at 504 total cases. There have been 4 local deaths.
Yesterday, Gov. Eric Holcomb, moved from Stage 5 in the Back on Track plan and initiated changes to those counties in Orange and Red.
New restrictions for Orange Counties (Washington County) include:
- Attendance at winter indoor K-12 extracurricular and co-curricular events is limited to 25% capacity.
- Capacity in common areas and break rooms should be reduced.
- Community recreational sports leagues and tournaments may continue with attendance limited to participants, required personnel, and parents/guardians.
- Social gatherings of any kind, inside or outside, are limited to 50 people.
- Special, seasonal or commercial events planned for more than 50 people require the approval of a safety plan by the local health department.
According to Superintendent Dennis Stockdale, the school will still have Thanksgiving break from November 25-27 and plans to return to in-person schooling on Monday, Nov. 30.
In a statement online, Stockdale said “our staff has done an incredible job, but we are stretched thin right now. In the past several days, the number of students and staff that have been either positive or quarantined due to close contact has grown significantly.”
East Washington staff will be notified by their supervisors when and where to report.
Prosser students will attend classes at Prosser on their regular schedule.
Elementary and Middle School extra-curricular activities will be canceled. High School extra-curricular activities will continue on a case by case basis.
Eastern Lady Musketeers are set to play a basketball game at North Harrison Friday night and at home Saturday night against Austin.
Stockdale said the lunch program would continue for students at home.
More information and details on getting those will be released soon.
“I understand this is a difficult situation for many, and I can assure you that this decision is not taken lightly,” Stockdale said online. “As with everything we have been dealing with for the last several months, this is subject to change. Your continued cooperation is greatly appreciated.”
