Ask 2: Will schools close if just one staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19?

Backpack of school child with face mask and sanitizer. (Family Veldman, Copyright 2020 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.)

At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston.

Question: Will schools close if just one staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19?

Recommended Videos



Answer: Each school district has a different response plan in the event of a coronavirus outbreak within its schools.

Houston ISD, for example, won’t begin a rolling closure of schools until the community reaches a significant and uncontrolled level of COVID-19, according to its “COVID Gauge” that outlines the measures to be taken in the event of a resurgence.

Houston ISD "COVID Gauge" (Houston ISD)

Many other school districts are prepared to close and have worked intermittent days into its calendar in the event of a resurgence.

A specific number of confirmed COVID-19 cases it would take to close schools is unknown.

KPRC 2 is providing reopening outlines with the latest updates for more than 40 Houston-area school districts. Find all of them on our back-to-school page here.

For a quick glance at your school district and what others are doing, click here.

Do you have a burning H-Town-related question? Send it our way, and we will try to hunt down an answer.

_


About the Author: