ATHENS, Ohio — Schools in Athens are closed through Labor Day due to a shortage of bus drivers in the district.
Superintendent Thomas Gibbs said of their 18 bus drivers, four have tested positive for COVID-19, one is quarantined as a close contact and another is experiencing symptoms. Another driver was unable to work due to an injury.
While also having two open positions, the district has only half of its transportation staff.
Gibbs said they cannot safely take students to and from school under these conditions.
Since transportation is a required service, Gibbs said the district will have to close for this week.
The announcement comes as hundreds of students across central Ohio schools are being quarantined due to COVID-19.
On Wednesday, Nationwide Children's Hospital said the amount of patients being treated for COVID-19 has doubled to roughly 20.
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