ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – With schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Roanoke County has been delivering meals to all of its students by bus — but that will soon change.
The school district will eventually switch to a hybrid program, with some families picking meals up and other meals being delivered, according to Chuck Lionberger, community relations specialist with Roanoke County Public Schools.
The changes will start next week. According to Lionberger, food will not be delivered next week because it is technically spring break. After spring break, deliveries will be scaled down due to social distancing concerns.
According to Lionberger, there are increased worries that staff members could contract COVID-19 if they get too close to others. He cited Gov. Northam’s prediction that the outbreak could peak in late April or early May as a main factor for the change.
There are eight pick-up sites spread throughout the county:
- Burlington Elementary School
- Glen Cove Elementary School
- Green Valley Elementary School
- Herman L. Horn Elementary School
- Mount Pleasant Elementary School
- Oak Grove Elementary School
- Cave Spring Middle School
- Glenvar High School
Families picking up meals from one of the pickup sites will not have to leave their car in order to maintain an appropriate distance.