EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

Olympus, Taylorsville High Schools move online; Kearns football is over

UPDATED: OCTOBER 27, 2020 AT 5:50 PM

FILE: Taylorsville High School. Photo credit: Paul Nelson.

BY SIMONE SEIKALY
Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — There were several announcements from the Granite School District on Tuesday, involving two high schools moving to online classes and the cancellation of the Kearns High School football season for the year.

Kearns’ football will not play East High School in the second round of the playoffs due to the number of players and coaches with COVID-19.

Students at Olympus and Taylorsville in the Granite School District were told to pack up supplies from their lockers Tuesday because the district is moving classes online beginning immediately and for the next 14 days.

Olympus and Taylorsville High Schools have met and/or exceeded the number of COVID-19 cases pre-determined by the district to cause dismissal and deep cleaning of the schools.

Students are expected to return to in-person classes on Nov. 11.

RELATED: Granite School District COVID-19 plan released, masks required

However, the district says extracurricular activities, deemed as those governed by the Utah High School Activities Association, can continue. That’s because no team or squad currently has three or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 (the cut-off determined by the Utah Department of Health).

If an Olympus or Taylorsville High School team or squad reports more than 3 active cases of COVID-19, the Granite School District says health officials will likely recommend a 14-day dismissal of the team at that time. Only parents or guardians will be allowed to attend extracurricular activities occurring on school grounds.

RELATED: Utah’s 41 school districts unveil reopening plans for fall

The district stresses that this closure is not a quarantine. But, if a student or staff member is currently affected by a quarantine, they must continue to comply with instructions and complete the quarantine period, as required by the Salt Lake County Health Department.

Olympus and Taylorsville High Schools will be closed for the next two days for deep-cleaning. After that, teachers will be working from the buildings.

RELATED: Granite School District to publish COVID-19 case counts for all schools

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
Get a flu shot.