By EBONEE PEREZ
Staff Writer
Following the winter break, we have seen a rise in absences all across VUSD campuses. The first day students returned to school it was reported that 4,000 students were absent compared to the average 1,400. A large number of Visalia Unified staff members have also been affected by COVID-19 over this winter break. As of this Tuesday, a reported 81 staff members tested positive, and close to 300 staff members were in isolation or quarantine due to exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19. With the high number of absences among staff and students, schools shutting down all across Visalia seem like a very real possibility. Visalia Unified staff and students are able to get tested and vaccinated, staff members at the VUSD’s COVID-19 response center located near the district office, and students at COVID-19 cottages located at every high school. El Diamante’s COVID-19 cottage is located outside the gates on the west side of the campus.