ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County public schools will continue virtual learning through the end of January due to COVID-19, according to officials.
Orangeburg County School District administration and principals made the decision Thursday to extend 100% virtual learning through the remainder of the month.
While they had hoped to transition back to a hybrid learning model on January 19, Orangeburg County School District officials say COVID-19 activity is high across all indicators throughout the community and the "impact from illnesses and required quarantines among our teachers and staff members is startling."
However, athletic competition will resume next week, with extensive safety protocols in place. "Our commitment to ensuring opportunities for all students, including student athletes, many of which are being considered for athletic scholarships, must continue," officials said in a statement Thursday.
To minimize potential exposure to student athletes, coaches and other employees, officials say games and matches will be held without spectators and will be streamed live to high schools’ websites using existing equipment.
Distribution of meals to students will continue via bus routes on Fridays. Pickup will not be available at schools for these meals.
“We certainly understand the challenges that families, especially working parents, are facing as a result of the pandemic’s continued impact on our community and schools,” Orangeburg’s Superintendent Dr. Shawn Foster said. “Please know that our goal is to return to a more traditional educational model for students and families who would prefer that model as quickly as it is safe and reasonable to do so.”