The Mount Vernon City School District announced Monday night that it will be going to 100% virtual instruction starting Dec. 22.

It said that schools will reopen on Jan 18, 2022, but extended closures could be necessary.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Hamilton said in a letter, "We have all been watching as Broadway closed, professional sports have been affected, and some states (Maryland) have moved to remote learning. We have also seen an increase in our positive cases and quarantines. I have been very reluctant to close schools, but given the current trends in COVID cases, it would be risky not to do so."

The district said it expects all students and staff to be tested before returning on Jan. 18, and that it expects to implement weekly testing after that.

More on the change can be found here.