CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Two Caddo Parish schools will move to virtual-only instruction due to numerous absences related to the coronavirus and the flu.

According to Caddo Parish Schools, citing high student and staff absenteeism, Eighty-First Street ECE and North Caddo Elementary/Middle School will continue instruction using the Canvas learning management platform beginning Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Virtual learning will continue through Friday, Nov. 20.

The decision comes as each school reported illness-related absences including the common cold, strep throat, the flu and COVID-19.

While Caddo has worked diligently to practice health and safety protocols including the use of masks, frequent cleaning of surfaces, practicing proper hand hygiene, one of the greatest mitigation strategies is to encourage individuals who are ill to stay home when ill.

In the cases of both Eighty-First Street ECE and North Caddo Elementary/Middle, this precaution resulted in more than 20 percent of student and staff populations not reporting to work or school.

To maintain the integrity of instruction with such high numbers of individuals not on campuses, the schools will provide all students with high-quality virtual instruction. Meanwhile, maintenance teams will conduct a thorough cleaning of each school.

Grab and go meal service will be available for the duration of the closures from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For students attending Eighty-First Street ECE, meals should be picked up at Fairfield Elementary. Students attending North Caddo Elementary/ Middle School will pick up meals from North Caddo High School.

All remaining district campuses will continue with their current instructional models and operations.