James Evans with the Rutherford County School System told WGNS on Monday afternoon that beginning Wednesday, Dec. 16, all Rutherford County schools will operate on distance learning for the remainder of the week.

Evans said in a recorded message to parents,, " We reached this difficult decision after receiving updated information this afternoon from the Tennessee Department of Health, which shows that Rutherford County now has more than 3,100 active cases and a spread of .96%, which is the highest that we have experienced this school year."

Schools will be open Tuesday for in-person learners. However,  all Rutherford County Schools will operate on a distance learning schedule Wednesday through Friday of this week.

Schools will be closed for winter break on Monday, December 21 and return to  class on Tuesday,  January 5, 2021.