Coronavirus Cases Force Closure of Tucson Schools

TUCSON, AZ — Two Tucson Unified School District schools have closed after reporting positive coronavirus tests among students and employees. Two special education classes at another school have shut down as well, though the school itself remains open.

The Pima County Health Department recommended Tuesday that Erickson Elementary School close for a 14-day quarantine after a student tested positive for COVID-19. Students will now transition to distance learning until Sept. 7.

The decision to shut Erickson's doors was made "out of an abundance of caution," said spokeswoman Karla Escamilla, as reported by the Arizona Daily Star.

Erickson Elementary follows in the footsteps of Tolson Elementary School, which shuttered for a 14-day quarantine period on Aug. 18. The school district took action after two employees tested positive, though it said no students were exposed as the two were only in contact with other staffers.

Two special education classrooms at Rincon High also closed after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Students were potentially exposed to the virus.

Many Arizona school districts have been educating students virtually since the start of the school year. At least one location per district was required to open for "at risk" students starting Aug. 17, per Gov. Doug Ducey's order. Some are back for in-person learning with the option for virtual learning.

Approximately 600 students showed up to Tucson schools in the first week, the district has said.