Ignacio High School shifted into remote learning Wednesday after learning of multiple confirmed COVID-19 cases among staff members and students.

Rocco Fuschetto, Ignacio School District superintendent, said the school had at least three COVID-19 cases among staff members and students. In a message to the district, he said a number of staff members were also directly exposed to COVID-19. He declined to specify how many in an interview with The Durango Herald.

Ignacio High School will hold remote lessons until students return to in-person learning Tuesday.

“The exposure happened a week ago,” Fuschetto said. “By the time we come back, we’ll be 12 to 14 days out.”

Public health officials recommend two weeks of quarantine if exposed to the coronavirus.

It was not clear Wednesday morning whether the cases meet state criteria to be classified as a COVID-19 outbreak. According to state guidelines, an outbreak is defined as two or more positive cases, transmitted within a workplace, in a 14-day time period.

“It’s a safety concern for all. That’s why we made the decision to go to remote learning,” Fuschetto said. “That’s where we are right now.”

The district is continuing to monitor the situation, Fuschetto said. It is offering voluntary COVID-19 testing to staff members every two weeks, and it advised students and staff members to stay home if showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Fuschetto said the school district didn’t spread the virus; people were exposed in the community and then came to school.

“That’s why we have to take these precautions,” he said.

smullane@durangoherald.com