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“If the Tyrrell County School system has the resources to provide both in-person and remote learning, we believe that it can be accomplished in a safe manner,” Vickey Manning, deputy director of Martin-Tyrrell-Washington District Health Department, advised the Tyrrell County Board of Education via Zoom on Sept. 28.

“The main concern will be potential spread among staff, parents, and caregivers. So far…we do not see any indication that schools are drivers of COVID-19 spread. Following state guidance, promoting masking, social distancing, regular cleanings, and mandating good hygiene practices should ensure safe learnings environments for students and staff, “she explained.

Manning also showed bar graphs that indicate the third coronavirus death in Tyrrell County was a black female over age 65. Earlier victims were white men, reportedly ages 61 and 31, the latter being Hispanic.

The board of education was to meet Oct. 5 to decide on whether the district will pursue classroom or remote learning for the period that begins Oct. 12, Superintendent Oliver Holley said.