Georgia News

Ware County schools halt classes for 2 weeks

New CDC Guidance , Recommends Schools Fully Reopen in the Fall.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its new guidelines for "COVID-19 Prevention in (K)-12 Schools" on July 9.The guidance recognized that "students benefit from in-person learning," .and that "safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall 2021 is a priority.".It reiterates that "vaccination is currentlythe leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic." .Promoting vaccination can help schools safely return to in-person learning as well as extracurricular activities and sports, CDC school guidance, via CDC website.The guidelines also offer some clear instructions about masks in schools.stating that "masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated.".Consistent and correct mask use by people who are not fully vaccinated is especially important indoors and in crowded settings, when physical distancing cannot be maintained, CDC school guidance, via CDC website.Social distancing measures are reduced from 6 feet to 3 feet.When it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least 3 feet, such as when schools cannot fully re-open while maintaining these distances, .., CDC school guidance, via CDC website.... it is especially important to layer multiple other prevention strategies, such as indoor masking, CDC school guidance, via CDC website.The full list of CDC guidance for schools' reopening this fall can be found on the CDC's website
By Rich Barak
Updated Aug 13, 2021

Ware County is stopping all classes for two weeks after many COVID-19 cases were reported by students and staff, according to multiple reports.

The county also has a large number of quarantined students, according to ActionNewsJax.

Traditional and digital classes will not meet until September, ActionNewsJax reported Friday. Extracurricular practices and competitions will continue, though, according to the news outlet in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Ware County School System shared this statement on its Facebook page:

“Due to a sharp increase in the number of active positive COVID cases reported among students and staff members as well as the number of individuals who are currently quarantined, the Ware County School System will temporarily cease daily operations for traditional and digital students and most staff members through Friday, August 27, 2021. Staff members who are required to work will be notified directly. During this two-week pause, no instruction will take place. In-season extra-curricular practices and competitions will continue as scheduled.

“On Monday, August 30, 2021, all staff members will return to work for an additional week of pre-planning. Students will return to school on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.

“We will release additional information as it becomes available. Please continue to watch our website and Facebook page for information and updates.”

The district told ActionNewsJax that 76 students are positive for COVID-19 and 679 more are in quarantine due to possible exposure.

Sixty-seven of the district’s 950 school employees are COVID positive and 150 have been quarantined, ActionNewsJax reported.

About the Author

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· Rich Barak works in the sports department as a leader/coach. In his career, Barak has covered everyone from Tommy Lasorda to Timothy Leary. He can be reached via email at Richard.Barak@ajc.com, on Twitter at @RBARACK or by calling 217-722-0184.

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