BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — On Monday, the Panama-Beuna Vista Union School District announced it was suspending in-person instruction as a result of an increase in COVID-19 cases in the community.

In a statement, PBVUSD said: "Due to the increase of COVID-19 positive cases and exposures in our community, and within the district, we will be suspending all in-person instruction effective December 14, 2020. This decision was made based on community COVID data, meeting the demands of the ever changing guidelines and the impact for staff to effectively and safely support the instruction of our students."

The decision to return to distance learning was made voluntarily by the school district and was not a result of Governor Gavin Newsom's recent stay-at-home order. That new order did not apply to schools.

PBVUSD said in the statement that they would prefer students to remain in school because of the support it provides its students. But they felt the safety of students and staff took priority.

"The safety of our students, staff and community is paramount as we move forward through these challenges in education due to COVID-19."

No date was given as to when students would return to in-person instruction.