The district has called for an "attendance mitigation day" for Jan. 18, telling staff to not report to work unless requested by a supervisor.
Instead, HISD officials are asking students and staff to use the extra day to mitigate the potential spread of the coronavirus by avoiding large gatherings, washing hands often and maintaining social distance. The announcement came exactly one week after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo raised the county's threat level to red, meaning unvaccinated people should avoid unnecessary travel and vaccinated people should wear masks in crowded indoor settings.
There are a total of 2,759 active cases of COVID-19 among HISD students and 772 active cases among staff as of Jan. 14, according to a data dashboard maintained by the district. Total HISD enrollment clocks in at 194,695 students.
Schools with the highest number of cases include Chavez High School, where 32 staff members and 51 students have tested positive, and Milby High School, where seven staff members and 83 students have tested positive. A total of 67 students and seven staff members have tested positive at Bellaire High School.
Free coronavirus testing is available to all HISD students and staff. A list of campus testing sites can be found here.
Classes are slated to resume Jan. 19.
