Russell County Schools became the 18th school district to close or opt for virtual instruction as the current surge of COVID-19 cases continues.

Russell County Schools Superintendent Michael Ford posted on social media that the school district would move to virtual, at-home learning through Sept. 3, returning to class on Sept. 7.

Russell Co. Schools will be using NTI days the remainder of the week. pic.twitter.com/2s1wYYWUfW

— Michael A. Ford (@fordmich) August 30, 2021

Ford also took the additional step of shutting down athletics, suspending all sports and extra-curricular activities, including games and practices..

“We have too many employees out to properly operate our schools and have a large number of COVID-19 positive students and employees,” Ford said in a Twitter post.