Catasauqua High School students moved to virtual instruction Dec. 14, following a series of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, according to Catasauqua Area School District Superintendent Robert Spengler.

The notification was made Dec. 13, following another confirmed positive case. Additional cases were reported Dec. 9 and 10.

High school students will remain in the virtual learning instruction model through the holiday break. Students are expected to return to in-person instruction Jan. 4, 2021.

“However, please be aware that we will work directly with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and consider local school data when making decisions to alter the instructional mode,” Spengler said in the Dec. 13 notification. “Contributors to this decision include the number of positive COVID cases, the number of quarantined students and staff and pending test results.”

A positive COVID-19 case at Catasauqua Middle School was reported Dec. 9. A case at Sheckler Elementary School was reported Dec. 10. As of now, both CMS and Sheckler remain open for in-person instruction.

Spengler reported appropriate quarantines and isolations are in effect, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.

Administration is closely monitoring the situation.

Students, families and staff should avoid close contact with people who are sick, wash hands frequently, avoid touching faces, stay home if sick, cover faces if sneezing and coughing, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, practice social distancing and wear face masks.

Students should stay home if they are experiencing symptoms such as a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of smell or taste, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, headache, congestion or runny nose.

It is recommended people follow CDC and DOH recommendations to contain the community spread of COVID-19.