On Friday morning, the Hall County School District reported a total of 245 COVID cases among students and staff. That's up from 43 cases confirmed after the first day of classes for the new school year, which was just 10 days ago. Even with the increase, Superintendent Will Schofield said it's not time for a mask mandate for the entire school district. Instead, he and leaders at the school level are making decisions together on what's best for each individual school.
"We try to make the decision holistically, we make it thoughtfully. We don't think...what's good for one is good for everyone," Schofield said in an interview with AccessWDUN. "I'm not at a point where I'm going to tell a school that has two cases of COVID, it's time to put all of the children back in masks again."
Three schools were placed under a mask mandate this past Monday, and on Monday, Aug. 23, more will be added to the list.
The schools include: (an asterisk * denotes new mandates for Aug. 23)
- Chestnut Mountain Elementary (whole school at least through 9/3/2021)*
- Davis Middle (whole school at least through 9/3/2021)*
- East Hall High (whole school at least through 8/27/2021)
- North Hall High (whole school at least through 9/3/2021)*
- Sardis Elementary (whole school at least through 9/3/2021)*
- Sugar Hill Elementary (whole school at least through 8/27/2021)
The daily data from the school district also shows 1,121 staff and students in quarantine as a result of exposure to COVID.
The school district is updating its quarantine protocol on Monday, as well. The new steps are:
1. Parents/guardians of quarantined-close contact students may choose for their child:
- Stay home 10 consecutive days
- Face coverings for 10 consecutive days, agree to daily temperature checks at school, and remain asymptomatic
2. Staff members who are quarantined-close contact may:
- Stay home 10 consecutive days
- Wear face coverings for 10 consecutive days, agree to daily temperature checks at work, and remain asymptomatic
Earlier this week, Schofield issued an update that indicated he will ask school board members at their Monday-evening meeting to approve a one-time incentive to all Hall County School District employees who show proof of COVID vaccination. Each employee must show proof of being fully vaccinated prior to Oct. 15, 2021 to be eligible for the $400 supplement.
"Vaccines keep adults alive," Schofield said. "We encourage all medically able individuals to consider vaccination with their health care provider."
Schofield said the school district has been able to determine they have had some "breakthrough" COVID cases - cases of the illnesses in those who have been vaccinated. He said that has been true in 6.98% of the district's vaccinated population.
To see the entirety of statements released this week by the Hall County School District, visit the HCSD website.
