COWETA COUNTY, Ga. — Students began school virtually in Coweta County last Thursday, while most instructors worked from their classrooms.
However, COVID-19 exposures forced the closure of one school building in Coweta County on Monday, according to school system spokesperson Dean Jackson.
Willis Road Elementary School was closed to staff on Monday while the building was cleaned and employees were interviewed, Jackson said.
According to Jackson, positive COVID-19 tests were reported among staff from Willis Road on Sunday, August 16. As a result, the school was deep cleaned, following the Coweta County School System's protocols, he said.
Employees from the school system's health program interviewed staff members of Willis Road Elementary to identify any possible exposures to positive COVID-19 cases.
In all, Jackson said, 55 out of a total of 94 staff members of Willis Road have been excluded from the workplace due to coronavirus concerns, including positive tests, reported exposure to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or reported symptoms related to the coronavirus.
There were reports of positive COVID-19 tests at another Coweta County school, Newnan Crossing Elementary School, on Wednesday, August 12.
An earlier report had indicated that Newnan Crossing had closed as a result. However, according to the school's principal, Dr. Page Tarleton, this was not the case and that school was not closed.
Newnan Crossing was deep cleaned on that evening, according to Tarleton. She said that 12 staff members were quarantined for coronavirus concerns.
According to Tarleton, Newnan Crossing was able to open on Thursday, August 13, in time for the beginning of virtual classes for students.
In the case of each of the schools, Jackson said, the affected employees have been quarantined or isolated and are not able to return to their workplace. However, in many cases, they have been able to continue their work from home.