AKRON, N.Y. — A COVID-19 outbreak at Akron High School has the school set to go virtual next week.

The decision comes following a recommendation from the Erie County Department of Health after school officials announced 17 students have tested positive for the virus.

Roughly 40-50% of the students are in quarantine and the exact number of students under quarantine orders is expected to top 175.

Officials say the spread of the virus is happening in cafeterias, bus rides and extracurriculars. Two cases in one extracurricular led to 26 students being forced to quarantine.

District leaders say virtual learning would begin Monday at the high school, giving students and teachers a chance to prepare.

All athletics would be on pause during this time, meaning leagues would need to reschedule practices and games.

Akron High School students are set to return to in-person classes October 4.