CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- After having in-person learning for most of the school year, a Catholic high school on Chicago's South Side is switching to remote learning through at least March 15, because of COVID-19 cases.
"We've had two weeks in a row here where students have, a couple of students have tested positive, and always concerned about the safety of our faculty, staff, students, we decided to go to remote learning," said Ned Hughes, the president of Mount Carmel High School.
Hughes said the school decided to switch to remote learning while contact tracing and testing is completed. He said the school remains committed to providing in-person learning for the remainder of the school year, as long as it's safe to do so.
During this time, the school has also suspended sports until at least March 15.
The moved puts an end to the school's basketball season and means the football team, the defending Class 7A state champions, will miss Week 1 of the season and could miss Week 2.
Illinois High School Association rules require 12 practice days before a game, which means the Mount Carmel team couldn't play a football game until March 29. It's possible the school could appeal the rule and receive a waiver to play Week 2, but the Week 1 game is unlikely to happen, the Sun-Times reported.
Hughes said beginning this weekend the school is arranging for mandatory COVID-19 testing for every in-season athlete and coach on a weekly basis, and will make tests available to any other staff or students who want it.
As for the football team, Hughes said the goal is for it to compete in all six scheduled games.
