Atlanta

Metro schools, universities prepare for possible coronavirus outbreak

By WSBTV.com News Staff
By WSBTV.com News Staff

ATLANTA — Health officials across the state and the whole country are telling public agencies and schools they should be prepared in case of a coronavirus outbreak.

We checked in with many of the metro school districts and colleges to see what their plan is in case of an outbreak. Here are statements from the schools:

Atlanta Public Schools

“District officials will remain in close contact with local, state, and federal agencies – such as the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Fulton County Board of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control for the latest information on this disease.

“In this case, many of the decisions and plans around quarantines or school closures will be led by the federal government with assistance from state emergency management officials.

[INTERACTIVE MAP: Where are the confirmed coronavirus cases?]

“We have received guidance from those agencies and are incorporating key components into the District’s emergency management practices. We will provide updated information to students, families and District employees as we receive directives from local, state, and federal health officials."

Clayton County Schools

“While there are currently no documented cases in Clayton County or the State of Georgia, as a precaution, the district’s Division of Student Services has prepared the attached document to inform the community about the virus along with resources as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“District leaders will continue to monitor the status of this virus and will activate district safety plans as appropriate to protect our students, staff, and stakeholders as needed.”

Cobb County Schools

"While our teachers focus on teaching and our students focus on learning, we will continue to follow the guidance of public health professionals, including the Georgia Department of Public Health. Although there are no active cases in the state of Georgia, we have taken and will continue to take every recommended step to keep our students safe."

DeKalb County Schools

“DeKalb County School District is following guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health, which states that 'students, faculty or staff whose family members have traveled from China in the last 14 days do not need to be excluded from school.' Those who have traveled from China in the past 14 days and do have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should seek medical care, according to DPH.

“DCSD is monitoring the status of the coronavirus with our partners at the DeKalb Board of Health, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency, and partners in neighboring school districts. The district will provide updates if the situation evolves. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains a top priority.”

RELATED STORIES:

Fulton County Schools

“Fulton County Schools is working closely with local and state health officials in the event cases progress to our region. Additionally, in response to the CDC’s public comments that were recently shared in the media, we wanted to provide information about our coronavirus (COVID-19) planning.

• We are reinforcing the importance of healthy hygiene with our students and employees

• Should a confirmed case occur, we will immediately inform our school community

• FCS has a plan to address a potential pandemic, including a Continuity of Learning component

• In the event of a school closing, we can convert instruction to a digital format to ensure continuation of instruction

“Currently, we are reviewing our existing pandemic plan and making the necessary revisions to respond to COVID-19 scenarios.

“The plan is fluid and sections will be updated as new information becomes available. FCS’s response plan addresses the specific activities necessary to keep schools open and operating while providing a clean and safe environment during an outbreak and the essential functions that must be performed by FCS, if schools are closed. While the full impact of an outbreak cannot be predicted, planning for operations under such conditions can lessen the impact of the event on our students, staff, facilities and mission. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.”

Gwinnett County Schools

“We shared information with our schools a few weeks ago about Coronavirus, including a flyer for them to share with families. Additionally, given the recent CDC advice, we have a team that is reviewing our response plan and updating it accordingly.

“We have a very close relationship with the Gwinnett County Health Department and will take direction from them, as well as using the guidance received from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the CDC. In addition, we are focused on communicating information to educate our families about the flu and every day."

Henry County Schools

“Henry County Schools has a great relationship with the many health and emergency organizations across the county and state that provide professional guidance and resources on how to respond to this latest health concern for our country. We are following the guidance and recommendations of the local Health Department, District 4 Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the local Emergency Management Agency.

“At this time, we have a webpage on our district website with resources for parents hoping to learn more about the Coronavirus and reminders about our district’s policies and procedures regarding student illnesses. Additionally, Henry County Schools officials are working proactively on plans for the district in the event this illness affects our schools. The health and safety of our students and staff are our top concerns.”

Georgia Tech

“To ensure the health and safety of the university community, Georgia Tech officials are coordinating with local and state health authorities to implement multiple measures — including screening students who report possible symptoms or recent travel to areas affected by the coronavirus.

“In the event a student meets the criteria for possible infection, Georgia Tech is prepared to isolate the student, monitor their symptoms, and coordinate with local and state health authorities to ensure they receive proper care.

“Additionally, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuance of a Level 3 warning to avoid all non-essential travel to South Korea, we have canceled Spring 2020 programs to that country. We are reaching out to the students to notify them of the cancellation and to provide assistance to leave if necessary.”

© 2020 Cox Media Group

Most Read