WI Schools Face COVID-19 Outbreaks And Closures

WISCONSIN — Wisconsin schools are already facing COVID-19 outbreaks and closures within the first month of the school year.

Morse Middle School for the Gifted and Talented, part of Milwaukee Public Schools, closed its in-person classes Wednesday, the district said. In the meantime, students will have to learn virtually.

The school reported that 3 percent of its total population tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days, the district said. About 500 students were enrolled in the school last year, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Milwaukee Public Schools reported that 165 students and 39 staff tested positive between Monday and Friday. The district has its own mask requirements for students and staff while inside.

The School District of Mondovi in Buffalo County also temporarily closed Tuesday and Wednesday, district Superintendent Jeffry Rykal said in a letter to parents.

Rykal blamed an upswing in positive student and staff COVID-19 cases. The school reopened Thursday but expected to see more positive cases among students and staff.

Masks aren't required in Mondovi schools, but Rykal said that they were strongly recommended for people regardless of vaccination status.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services launched public health investigations for 312 educational facilities, state data said. Health services investigates when two or more COVID-19 cases are confirmed at any school, university or child day care center.

Milwaukee Public Schools voted Friday to mandate vaccinations for all employees, from certified staff to interns. Staff who don't get vaccinated by Nov. 1 could see their employment terminated, the district said.

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