2 days into school year, GA middle school says over 70 students exposed to COVID-19

FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. — Floyd County Schools officials said that more than 73 students and employees at Coosa Middle School in Rome may have been exposed to COVID-19 after someone at the school tested positive.

Officials did not say if the person who is infected is a student or employee.

Officials said the 73 people who had close contacts with the person "are receiving additional correspondence from the school."

[RELATED: Creekview becomes 3rd Cherokee high school to temporarily close over COVID-19 cases]

Guidance issued on the district's website said students who are in close contact with a sick student will have to quarantine for 14 days.

Floyd County students returned to in-person instruction on Thursday. The district offered parents the option of virtual or in-person learning. Virtual learning starts Aug. 21. Parents have until August 26 at 5 p.m. to switch learning options.

Officials are encouraging all families to temperature scan and monitor students closely for signs of potential illness. Parents have been told to tell the principal if students develop symptoms of COVID-19 or have a positive test result.

Students are encouraged to wear masks on campus.

According to the governor’s office, Coosa Middle School has 593 students enrolled in grades 6 - 8. It’s unclear how many students are learning from home this year.

Floyd County school closed for 2 days after employee tests positive for coronavirus Only custodians will be allowed at the school.

Cox Media Group