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WINTON – It’s a new year, with the same plan as before.

At their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, the Hertford County Board of Education decided to continue with Option C, which is total remote learning, for an indefinite period of time.

Hertford County Public Schools have been on a remote learning plan since March of last year due to the COVID-19 virus.

At Monday’s meeting, the board based its decision after careful consideration of data and information received from Albemarle Regional Health Services, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and through discussions with the families served by the school district.

Additionally, the local board of education made the decision to allow athletic teams that are currently in season to continue beginning Feb. 2. This includes high school basketball and men’s soccer. Middle school basketball can also resume on this date.

School board members also approved for football practice to open Feb. 8. Per the guidelines from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), a seven-game regular season for football can begin on Feb. 26.

Hertford County education officials remind the public that all games will be played without fan attendance and will be limited to players, coaches and officials. When possible, games will be livestreamed.

In order for the teams to participate, all student athletes and coaches must adhere to strict guidelines established by the CDC, DHHS and the NCHSAA. Parents and guardians of student-athletes will also receive a document for their review and signature before their children may participate.