SUFFOLK, Va. - The 2020-2021 Suffolk Public Schools winter sports season has been canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
School officials said, "In reviewing the current health metrics for the City of Suffolk for the week of January 11, 2021-January 15, 2021, the total number of cases per 100,000 is 54.2 and the percent positivity rate is 24.5%, both in the very high risk range. For seven consecutive weeks, there has been an increase in both health metrics, including a 10% increase for the percent positivity rate in the last week. These health metrics have caused the school division to reduce operational hours, modify staffing schedules, and on December 11, 2020, suspend our participation in the Winter Sports Season for the Virginia High School League."
Officials added that they have been looking at metrics on a weekly basis with the hope of continuing winter sports and activities. However, the health and safety of students and staff is the greatest priority, they said.
Officials said, "It is with a heavy heart that this decision has to be made, but it is the right thing to do for the health and safety of our students and staff."
At this time, no decision has been made on the status of the Fall Sports Season.
