EAST PROVIDENCE — A late positive test for COVID-19 coupled with the Columbus Day holiday Monday, Oct. 12, has led Superintendent Kathryn Crowley to cancel in-person classes at East Providence High School on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

The superintendent was informed of the positive test of an in-person student by the Rhode Island Department of Health late Monday evening. And because of the holiday and the lack of time, no contract tracing could be done in time for in-person classes to resume Tuesday.

With Wednesdays each week being distance learning throughout the district, the aim at the moment is for staff and students to return to the high school building on Thursday, Oct. 15.

The high school last week had a positive test by a teacher, who along with two other staff members went into quarantine.

The superintendent also received an update from the DOH on last week’s test of a Kent Heights Elementary School student. The result was positive meaning the first grade class at the school and three teachers will begin quarantine and conduct instruction virtually.

Also, the superintendent has been forced to cancel in-person classes for the seventh grade at Martin Middle School after a staff member and six peers in close contact were forced into quarantine following a positive test.