The Tamaqua Elementary School building will be closed until Monday.

Tamaqua superintendent Ray Kinder said in a letter to district families that recent positive COVID-19 cases have occurred in the Tamaqua Elementary School, prompting the temporary closure.

“While we have not seen evidence of school based transmission, we are required by the state of Pennsylvania to perform a brief school closure when cases reach a certain level in a school building,” Kinder said in the letter.

The closure will begin Thursday and run through end of day Sunday.

The Tamaqua Elementary School will have asynchronous virtual instruction on Thursday and Friday. In-person classes will resume on Monday (May 3).

The closure only effects the elementary school. All other district school buildings will be open for in-person learning.

“We believe that this brief move to a virtual setting will allow us to clear those cases from our 14-day rolling average and reassure all members of the school community of the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment,” Kinder said.

“The building will receive additional disinfection during that time, and as required, all use of the building during the closure will be postponed.”

Kinder asked families to make some changes during the home stretch of the school year. He emphasized to wear masks properly at all times and maintain social distance. He noted when it’s “required to be in close contact with someone, wear a mask and remove yourself from the contact before fifteen minutes.”

Kinder said, “While some of these items may seem difficult, excessive or even silly, by following them through the end of the school year, you greatly decrease the odds of contracting COVID-19 and/or from being required to quarantine as close contact. I appreciate your cooperation.”