(KNZA)--Hiawatha USD 415 will be moving from in-person classes to remote learning for all grade levels, beginning Thursday, September 24.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser made the announcement Wednesday after the district received word from local health officials of a significant increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community and schools.

Moser said while many of the cases in the district's schools are isolated in one building, the consequences have hit all their schools.  He said it has also made it impossible to effectively staff their school buildings.

The Brown County Health Department said this has been worst week for COVID-19 in the county.  

The Health Department on Wednesday reported a total of 113 positive cases since the pandemic began, with 26 active cases.  Two individuals remain hospitalized, while the county has seen three virus-related deaths.    

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