Detroit Schools Canceling Classes Jan. 3-5 Amid COVID Spread, Requiring Employees To Get Tested

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) -- The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) announced Friday that classes  -- in-person and virtual -- will be cancelled Jan. 3-5 for employees to get tested amid a rise in COVID cases.

According to the district, the decision came due to the city having an all-time high infection rate of 36%.

"This high rate of infection will inevitably mean that a return to in person learning on Monday, January 3, 2022, with nearly 8,000 employees and partners and nearly 50,000 students will lead to extensive COVID spread placing employees, students, and families at risk along with excessive staff shortages due to positive and close contact scenarios," Vitti said in a letter to students and families.

Employees will be required to take a test on Monday and Tuesday through the district. All students are encouraged to get tested Monday through Friday as soon as possible through the district at no cost.

Vitti said the process would ensure they have a COVID-free environment while possibly preparing schools for a laptop distribution.

He said the district could not go entirely remote Monday because all of the students do not have laptops. Plans for Thursday and Friday will be announced Wednesday afternoon or evening.

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