The Long County School Board issued a statement saying they were going to delay opening their schools by one week. Their plans calls for returning students to onsite classrooms on Aug. 10.

The School Board made the decision after reviewing the survey results turned in by stakeholders in the community.

Teachers and staff are to report to work on July 24, so that can be trained on COVID-19 safety measures and cleaning techniques, as well as to facilitate virtual learning.

According to their statement the Long County School System will offer a virtual option for students who wish to receive instruction through an online platform.

“The Virtual School Option will be available to families who do not feel it is safe to return to the traditional classroom,” the statement read.

Virtual studies will begin on Monday, August 17.

Parents who choose the virtual online option must complete the online registration located on the Long County School System website at longcountyps.com by July 21.

Additional details and guidelines are included with the application.

“Our current situation is fluid and additional changes are possible,” the statement read.