Due to eight positive COVID-19 cases in the district, Cedar Ridge Schools are going to virtual learning for the next week to two weeks, according to Superintendent Dr. Sherry MacMasters.
This comes after three positive cases were discovered at Cedar Ridge Elementary last week. The elementary will continue to do virtual learning through a 14-day period. (Click here for that story) while McMasters says officials will review data through the week to determine next week’s plans for the high school.
According to a post on the district’s Facebook page Tuesday, McMasters said, “Several high school faculty have been identified as probable close contacts (PCC) with COVID positive individual(s). Due to the lack of substitute teachers during the PCC quarantine, the high school will pivot to virtual instruction for the remainder of the week. (Sept. 9 – 11). Data will be reviewed throughout the week to determine plans for the week of Sept. 14 – 18.”
All athletic events have also been canceled through Sept. 18.
McMasters told White River Now’s Gary Bridgman on Tuesday that positive cases grew to eight after an on-site campus testing session was coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and the Arkansas Department of Health on Monday. As such, the district felt the virtual move was the best option for Cedar Ridge students at this time.
The superintendent told White River Now that the Monday testing was for individuals who were considered “probable close contacts.” Out of 40 tests, five returned positive.
Individuals identified as a probable close contact must remain quarantined for the full 14 days from the last contact with the infected person, regardless of a negative COVID test result, McMasters’ post said.
McMasters told Gary B., the spread likely came from elementary students heading to the tornado safe room on Tuesday, Sept. 1, when tornado warnings were active in the area.
The superintendent said the district is in the process of more contact tracing, but in the meantime, it posted a list of wireless hot spots and meal information in the area.
Wireless hot spots:
- Oil Trough City Hall
- Thida General Store
- The old Cord-Charlotte Health Clinic
- Cord Baptist Church
- Magness Church of Christ
- Cedar Ridge Elementary parking lot
- Cedar Ridge High School parking lot
The Cedar Ridge School Cafeteria will prepare meals for Cedar Ridge students. Parents and guardians of Cedar Ridge students should call the high school or elementary office before 8:30 a.m. to order meal(s). Please provide the following information when calling:
- Name of students
- Name of person picking up the food
- Number of days they want meals
- Which pick up location
Meal Pick up Locations:
- Oil Trough City Hall
- Thida General Store
- Cord Baptist Church
- The Old Cord-Charlotte Health Center
- Cedar Ridge High School Cafeteria
There will be no door-to-door deliveries.
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