HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. – Halifax County Public Schools will close temporarily as that county deals with a spike in COVID-19 cases. Schools will be closed to students until December 7.

School officials said the action is necessary because of a significant rise in the community spread of coronavirus over the past week. The only students allowed on campus will be individual special students who are being tested as part of the eligibility process and those who have previously established appointments.

The announcement comes as the number of coronavirus cases at a Halifax County nursing home surpasses 200.

An outbreak at the Woodview Nursing Home in Halifax County was first reported to the Virginia Department of Health in late October. As of Monday, the nursing home is reporting 204 COVID-19 cases, but no deaths.

Health officials did not specify how many of the positive cases involved residents or staff members.