Stephanie Logue 

Staff Writer 

As a result of an increase in COVID-19 instances among their personnel and students, a growing number of big school districts across Pennsylvania are returning to remote learning. Last Monday, nearly 100 schools in the Philadelphia area began the process of returning to remote learning. Officials blame a scarcity of staff members caused by an increase in COVID cases for the decision to switch 20 Pittsburgh public schools to remote instruction on Monday morning. The Harrisburg School District stated on Sunday that it will transition to remote learning until after Martin Luther King Day. Rising COVID cases have forced educators to return to at-home learning in over 5,000 schools across the country.

After a relatively regular fall semester across much of the United States, COVID-19 made its presence felt in school districts around the country on Monday. Many schools lack sufficient coronavirus testing, and principals have reported a large number of teachers and other employees calling in sick, either because they are infected with the virus or other illnesses, are caring for sick family members, or are concerned about the conditions in school buildings. Unions, lawmakers, and educators have all stated that they want to keep schools open. However, there are concerns that the Omicron variant will force the closure of many more districts, at least temporarily.

Not just K-12 schools are returning to online classrooms. Due to worries about Omicron and case surges, many higher education schools and institutions in Pennsylvania are altering their semester schedules. Each institution has a somewhat distinct plan, but in general, COVID-19 strategies are based on the relative instances in their region and the plans of other schools on a similar scale. The administration of Pennsylvania State University announced a return to in-person instruction for the spring semester on December 30. According to the Daily Collegian, University Parks student-run newspaper, the decision has sparked outrage among students, who have signed a petition that currently has over 1,200 signatures.

 At the University of Pittsburgh, according to The Pitt News, the university’s student-run publication, virtual classes will be held upon the university’s return on January 8. Residents in resident halls will use a “cohort-based arrival” approach, which divides students into smaller groups to prevent the virus from spreading. According to The Pitt News, the college plans to remain virtual until at least January 26. Also, the university Provost weighed in on the decision, blaming the change in course on the “particularly transmissible” Omicron variant. Previously, all students, instructors, and employees at Pitt were required to get vaccinated. According to The Pitt News, about 900 exemptions had been authorized as of November 19.

Franklin & Marshall College and Elizabethtown College are two of the most prestigious colleges in the United States. According to LancasterOnline, two Lancaster County universities, Franklin & Marshall College and Elizabethtown College, are delaying their in-person start dates because of spikes in Lancaster County. F&M will begin virtual spring semester classes on January 31. Elizabeth township will start a month later than planned, on January 18.

Depending on the numbers, the institutions have to plan this as the data arrives. Schools and educational programs play a critical role in communities. Teachers and other personnel are employed in these welcoming learning settings for all students. School nutrition programs, as well as social, physical, behavioral, and mental health services, come with education Unfortunately, Covid has caused problems for individuals, but mental health services will, of course, always be available. Schools are doing everything they can for children and everyone else to keep “normal” in check when it comes to health and other issues. Such steps are self quarenting students to prevent the spread and highly recommending vaccinations.