As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, questions surrounding whether or not students should return to in-person learning have been raised. 

In December, the Horry County School District decided that students would undergo virtual learning for the first two weeks of January before a decision was made on future instruction. The Horry County School District recently announced that they will be returning to a hybrid model of instruction beginning Tuesday, January 19th. 

Currently, there are 113 active cases of COVID-19 within the Horry County School District, with 55 students and 58 staff members having tested positive. There are also 164 staff members who are currently in quarantine due to potential exposure to the virus.

The hybrid model will allow students to participate in both virtual and in-person instruction. Many schools are also installing new plexiglass barriers in an effort to stop the spread of the virus and protect students and teachers.

In addition to rising COVID-19 cases, Horry County Schools, like many other schools in the nation, are facing a teacher and substitute teacher shortage, making it difficult to return to in-person schooling for the full five days a week.

Horry County School District officials will continue to monitor the ongoing pandemic and will make adjustments as needed to protect the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.