Concerns over rising COVID-19 numbers over the holiday has forced the largest city school district in the north county to move to a remote model for at least the first two weeks.

In a post on its Facebook page, the district made the announcement. “Due to the ongoing rise in positive COVID-19 test results in the local community and resulting staffing issues the district will continue in a fully remote learning environment for the two week period beginning Monday … through Friday, Jan. 15. This means students in grades K-12 will not attend school in person during this two week time period.”

Future plans regarding how the district proceeds will be determined by the Board of Education at its next meeting on Jan. 12. “The district will continue to provide updates as they become available,” the district said.

Dunkirk had been at a full remote model in its secondary schools until November. Elementary students returned to schools in September.

Gowanda Central Schools, which serves residents in both Cattaraugus and Erie counties, announced in early December it was delaying a return of its hybrid model until the middle of January.

In a letter to the district community two weeks ago, Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson notes positivity rates of 6% or more in both Erie and Cattaraugus counties. In addition, as of Monday, there were five staff members and two students either positive, isolated or quarantined due to COVID-19. “These numbers are low and manageable, but that is with limited or no school contact,” Anderson said.

He also citied continued significant community spread of COVID-19 that will prevent adequate school staffing levels for any model of in-person instruction. “Tentatively, the district is targeted to reopen for hybrid instruction on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Moving this date from the original target date of Monday will allow the holiday aftermath to settle, keeping the daily instructional routine consistent even if the situation worsens.”

In the south county, the Jamestown Public Schools District announced it will be utilizing full remote learning following winter recess, from Monday through Friday. During this time, child care and school meals will continue to be provided.