July 30th, 2020 – 10:00 AM
WZQZ Radio –
(Via WZQZ Radio) The halls of Chattooga County’s schools have been empty since March of last year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The school system is making headlines across the region, and the nation, as one of the first school systems to go back to class.
Some have questioned the return to school as some high-profile COVID-19 cases have became public over the past week. Three Chattooga County Judges have tested positive for the virus, which prompted Superior Court Judge Kristina Cook Graham to close the Chattooga County Courthouse and the Courthouse Annex this week.
The Town of Trion has had three employees test positive for COVID-19 and Town Hall has been closed this week. Cases have also been reported that prompted changes in the way the City of Summerville is conducting business. Both the Trion Recreation Department and the Summerville Recreation Department are currently closed as a precaution.
While students are back in school as of today, Superintendent Jared Hosmer says that the school system is taking extra precautions.
At Chattooga High School breakfast will stop being served in the cafeteria at 7:30 AM. Students who come in after 7:30 AM who need breakfast will pick theirs up and eat it in their first period room.
Hallway traffic will be monitored. Students will be asked to walk to the right, as if they were driving on a road.
Lunch will be eaten in classrooms and not the cafeteria. Students will also be dismissed for lunch and from the last period in a staggered schedule to limit exposure from student to student.
Students in all schools will have their temperatures checked before entering each classroom.
Supt. Hosmer says that the school system is following all CDC recommendations and that the startup has the approval of local health officials.