Schools closed for fourth week

By Charles Sercombe
Hamtramck Public School students will remain at home and continue learning virtually next week.
Once again, the continued outbreak of COVID-19 cases is the reason.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. Our goal is to return to in-person learning as soon as it is safe, but due to the continued increase in COVID-19 cases, we cannot take any risks,” said Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi in a letter he issued on Thursday, Jan. 20, to students and families. “We know in-person learning is the best way for our children to learn and connect with one another.”
This will be the fourth week students have remained at home. Hamtramck is not alone. Many metro area schools are also closed because of the Covid surge.
There is some good news, however. Health officials say the latest variant of Covid, delta, appears to be tapering off.
While schools are closed for the week of Jan. 24-28, Nagi said the following safety steps will be taken:
• Ramping up the ability of the district to test students and staff
• Increase mask supplies for staff and students
• Continue to improve air filtration throughout the schools
• Monitor COVID-19 cases and transmission rates in our community
• Continue to keep up to date on COVID-19 guidelines with local health officials
Regardless when students return, Nagi urges students and their families to continue taking precautions against Covid, such as wearing masks in public, practicing social distancing and get tested for Covid if you feel ill.
“Everyone plays a part in the health of our community, and ultimately, the function of our schools,” Nagi said.
Posted Jan. 20, 2022