Another school in Lexington County is shifting to virtual learning due to COVID-19.

Chapin Elementary School announced Tuesday that it will shift away from in-person instruction starting on Wednesday, with students scheduled to return on Jan. 18. Like River Bluff High School, which announced over the weekend that it would send students home for the week, Chapin Elementary is vacating pupils during a period that includes a scheduled day off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 17.

“The health and safety of our students and staff remains School District Five’s first priority,” reads a news release announcing the Chapin Elementary shift from Lexington-Richland School District 5.

“School District Five did not make this decision lightly, as a shift in the instructional model impacts all families. District Administration has made this decision based on the school’s ability to provide effective instruction, safety, and supervision for all students.”

The release notes that the shift does not impact “the length of the isolation or quarantine period specified by the school nurse” for those currently isolated or quarantined.

School-related clubs, activities, events and other extracurricular activities are also set to resume on Jan. 18. The district will distribute meals (free for all students). at the front of the school from 11 a.m. until noon during each day of virtual learning.