MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Martinsville is responding to a rise in the numbers. School Superintendent Dr. Zeb Tally says the city will begin the fall semester with no in-person classes.

The all-virtual classroom will be temporary and is part of a three-phased plan that calls for all students to return to the classroom later in the school year.

Tally said the safety of students and staff is his greatest concern and laptops and additional wifi hospots will allow the school system to meet the need for virtual learning.

Laptops were distributed to students in the spring.