Portage Central Elementary goes virtual due to COVID-19 outbreak
PORTAGE, Mich. — Five cases of COVID-19 were found at Portage Central Elementary, according to a Facebook post on the Portage Education Association page.
According to the post, Superintendent Mark Bielang notified staff Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 that the school would move to virtual learning through March 2, as the number of cases met the definition of an outbreak.
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"The Central Elementary staff is thankful to our students and families who continue to embrace the safety measures that allow us to maintain in-person learning," Bielang said. "Special thanks to the entire staff for supporting our students in their frequent hand washing and for tirelessly cleaning our facility, equipment, and materials."
According to Bielang's statement, 55 students and eight staff members were quarantined as a result of the outbreak.
On Wednesday, March 3, Bielang said students would be dismissed after a half day so teachers could receive their second vaccine, followed by an asynchronous learning day Thursday, March 4 to assist teachers experiencing any potential side effects.
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Bielang reminded parents and guardians to encourage COVID-19 precautions with their children, including hand washing, frequent cleaning and quarantining when sick.
