Schools in the Fairbanks North Star Borough are now in the state Department of Education and Early Development's "Red Zone."
It is defined as an average of 10 or more new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over the last two weeks in a community.
The average for Fairbanks North Star Borough exceeds that: 152 cases in the last 14 days is about 11 per day.
The borough has a total of 692 COVID-19 cases, and only 241 are presumed to have recovered. Six have died and the rest are assumed to be infectious.
While it means no change for most students, who are already getting distance delivery of classes at home, it means student athletes must stop playing unless a 10-foot distance can be maintained.
According to a notice sent to parents yesterday, the decision was made with consultation with the district's Medical Advisory Committee.
The committee's Dr. Mishelle Nace and Superintendent Karen Gaborik will give an update at tonight's Board of Education meeting at 6:00 p.m.
