HISD keeps offices closed through Tuesday due to rise in COVID-19 cases

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston ISD staff will have their holiday weekend extended by another day in hopes of giving teachers more time to determine if they have COVID before returning to the classroom.

It was already planned for students to have the day off on Monday, which is Martin Luther King Jr Day, and Tuesday.

Now staff are being told to stay home Tuesday, unless requested by a supervisor, for what the district calls an Attendance Mitigation Day.

HISD issued a statement explaining that "the reason for this decision is due to the rise in COVID-19 cases throughout our community." Last week, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo raised the threat level to red, the highest and most severe level.

The district is asking staff to follow measures to reduce exposure such as avoiding large events and gatherings, wearing a mask, and social distancing. "At this time, we ask that you take this extra day to mitigate potential exposure and follow the recommendations of local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)," the statement read.

Students and staff are set to return to HISD campuses on Wednesday.

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