More Schools Switch to Remote Learning as COVID-19 Deaths Rise

More deaths have been reported from COVID-19 over the past week in Dade and Lawrence counties, and more schools announced plans to begin remote or virtual instruction.

The Everton R-III School District in Dade County had made the decision to move to remote instruction on Nov. 4, followed by the Golden City R-III district in Barton county on Nov. 11. Golden City planned to continue offering meal services in a manner similar to what was done over this past summer, as Everton has been. Immanuel Lutheran School in Lockwood announced it would be moving to alternative educational methods from Nov. 14 through Dec. 1. Greenfield R-IV joined their ranks as of Nov. 18.

As of Nov. 15, Dade County has had 347 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 among county residents, with 24 deaths. There were 55 cases active with 268 individuals recovered.

As of Nov. 13, Barton County has had 453 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 with 4 deaths. There were then 39 active cases with 414 individuals considered recovered.

As of Nov. 10, Lawrence County has had 1,465 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 41 deaths. There 131 positive cases in isolation with 1,293 having been released. On Nov. 9 alone the county added 9 deaths to its total.

“If you are tested for COVID-19, quarantine at home away from others until results are known. If positive, please isolate at home away from others,” the Barton County Health authority advised in a statement. “Write down the date your symptoms began, symptoms you are having and names of everyone you have had close contact with beginning 48 hours before your symptoms began. Close contact is being within 6 feet of a person for a total of 15 minutes or longer at one time or over 24 hours.”

“We encourage practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands often and staying home if you’re sick or running a fever!” read a Dade County Health Department statement. “Please follow guidelines if you are in isolation or quarantine.”