East Providence Schools Switch To Remote Learning

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI—The East Providence school district announced on Tuesday that it will be switching to remote learning due to COVID-19-related issues with staffing and an increase in new cases.

The pause will take place from Monday, December 14 until Monday, January 4, after which all students are currently scheduled to resume their hybrid-learning class schedule.

"East Providence Schools moving to virtual learning December 14-January 4 due to Covid related issues of staffing, quarantine and the increase in Covid cases," wrote Superintendent of Schools Kathryn Crowley in a Twitter post late Tuesday night.

The pause follows Crowley's announcements on Friday that both East Providence High School and the Pre-K Annex at Martin Middle School would be on distance learning from Monday, December 7 until Monday, January 4.

"East Providence recognizes the importance of in-person learning for all students," said Crowley in a press release on Thursday. "However, the safety of students and staff is a priority."

"Stay safe and we will get through this together and we will be stronger for it," she continued.

East Providence has had a total of 1,996 positive coronavirus cases as of December 2, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health's COVID-19 Data Tracker. Out of the total number of people who have been tested for the virus, 11% have tested positive.