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OCILLA — One week after Irwin County Schools went to a hybrid schedule, the system has announced a switch to completely virtual.

“Due to critical numbers with students and staff,” the Irwin County School District said in a posting Wednesday afternoon, schools would be closed Aug. 26 and Aug. 27. Virtual learning will begin Aug. 30 and run through Sept. 10.

“Irwin County Schools will monitor and revisit the positive numbers for the staff at all three schools towards the second week of virtual learning.” At that time a decision will be made, the system said, as to its options.

The school system had just started a hybrid schedule Aug. 20, which was supposed to be in effect through Aug. 27.

With the hybrid schedule, Irwin students were only in classrooms two days each week and virtually learning the other three.

Parents and guardians needing Chromebooks for their children can check those at Irwin County Middle/High Aug. 27 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Chromebooks are not being released directly to students.