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Two in Pocola Public Schools test positive for coronavirus

Pocola Public Schools are reaching out to parents and guardians after two people from the schools tested positive for COVID-19.

POCOLA, Okla. — Pocola Public Schools are reaching out to parents and guardians after two students from the district tested positive for COVID-19.

In response to the positive cases, starting Friday (Aug. 21) the district will be shutting down the school to in-person classes every other Friday for students to do virtual learning. Specific dates can be found on the Pocola School Districts Facebook page.

The two positive cases were reported after school Wednesday (Aug 19), one in the high school and one a 5th grade student. Thursday (Aug. 20) the entire 5th grade class was asked to stay home to quarantine.

“We have two 5th grade classes with 52 kids combined, we were notified yesterday of a positive case, and according to CDC guidelines we need to quarantine those kids for 14 days," said Pocola Schools Superintendent Jason Brittain. 

Brittain also says the last time students were exposed was Aug. 14, so they're asking students to come back on Aug. 28.

Some parents in the area say they expected positive COVID-19 cases and the school is taking the necessary precautions.

“The administration put a really good plan into place, working closely with the state recommendation if there was a case, which we knew would eventually happen. For the safety of my children, I believe the school is doing everything they can,” said Lauren Drake who has two kids in the Pocola school district.

Pocola Schools will be closed to in-person classes Friday for students to do virtual learning, in-person classes will resume on Monday. 

The school says those who have been in close contact with the individuals who tested positive have been notified and mandated to quarantine at home for 14 days or provide proof of a negative test. Their identities have not been released at this time.

Editor's note and clarification: A previous version of this story said a teacher and 5th-grade student tested positive. It is unclear at this time if it was a staff member or student who tested positive.

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