Schools Across The Country See Last-Minute Closures Due To COVID-19 Staffing Issues

On Sunday evening, schools across the United States abruptly announced closures.

The phenomenon occurs as the Omicron variant spreads throughout the United States, inducing staffing shortages in education and other industries — even as students return to class after Christmas break.

For instance, Pittsburgh Public Schools is shuttering 12 schools on Monday, according to WPXI:

The district intended to bring all students back to the classroom Monday, sending a notice to parents reiterating that universal indoor mask-wearing will still be mandated as well as distancing and other mitigation efforts.

But staffing issues caused PPS to reverse course at a dozen schools.

The district sent a second notice to impacted parents Sunday night, saying that “due to a staffing shortage caused by positive cases of COVID-19, COVID-related quarantines, and other staff-related absences, students and staff will transition to live streaming educational learning and instruction.”

Several Connecticut school districts are doing the same, according to WFSB:

Several school districts announced closures or delays for Jan. 3 because of COVID-related staffing issues or transportation problems.

Region 14, Enfield, Stratford, and Stonington public schools were closed on Monday….After the holiday break, schools across the state aimed to get students back in the classroom.

“Truthfully, as long as it’s safe, I’m good with the schools starting back up,” said Terrence Mayo, a parent who spoke with Channel 3.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Milwaukee Public Schools will launch virtual learning on Tuesday: – READ MORE