The Niagara Wheatfield Central School District is closed Friday due to COVID-19.

A district spokesperson the spread of the virus has led to an overwhelming staffing shortage and says a large number of transportation department employees are out sick.

With the shortages, the district says it cannot guarantee students would get to school in a safe and timely fashion.

"Due to the overwhelming staffing shortage from COVID-19, especially within our Transportation Department, the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District will be closed Friday, January 14," a statement read. "The decision to close was not an easy one, and is only being done after exhausting all viable options. In the end, we could not guarantee all students would be transported to school safely and within a reasonable time frame. Given the expected return date of staff members from isolation and quarantine, we are confident that school will resume on Tuesday, January 18. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause."

The school is aiming to bring students and faculty back on Tuesday.