Community News
Schools to remain open (for now) amid COVID-19 concerns.
By Dave Whitaker
Mar 13, 2020, 14:48

In a release issued today regarding COVID-19, Bleckley School Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith said schools would remain open, but it was a day-to-day decision and could change. He mentioned people in the county who have sinus infections or flu-like symptoms similar to the coronavirus but said those individuals had either tested negative or they were awaiting test results.

Smith noted buses had been getting disinfected for seven years, and both buses and buildings would continue to be disinfected to help stop the spread of disease. He said in accordance with CDC guidelines, schools within the district would close for five calendar days should a student, staff member, or parent test positive. The plan for any closure would include:

• Sending lessons home via direct delivery or posting them on our website, or some combination of the two.
• For students who have Internet access but no device, we plan to issue a Chromebook for use at home.
• Feeding students either through direct delivery or parent pick-up via drive-through at the schools, or some
combination of the two.
• Cancellation of all extracurricular activities, including organized practices.
• Working with all healthcare officials and agencies to determine if the closure should be extended.

The closure could be extended to 14 calendar days if there was significant absenteeism by staff or students. Smith said they would work with the Georgia Department of Public Health and Department of Education if and when closures would be necessary. He then encouraged everyone to follow CDC guidelines to minimize the spread of the disease.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing the Happy Birthday song twice).
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
• Stay home if you are sick.

Regarding sports and extracurricular activities, Smith said they hadn’t been cancelled but noted some districts had done so. As the cancellations were a result of the GHSA advising member schools to cancel spring sports for two weeks, there will be no forfeitures. He added all field trips to Atlanta have been cancelled.


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