Statement from State
School Superintendent Richard Woods on COVID-19
Updates: gadoe.org/coronavirus
MEDIA
CONTACT: Meghan
Frick, GaDOE Communications Office, 404-463-4246, mfrick@doe.k12.ga.us
“After being notified that an employee had
been diagnosed with COVID-19 (coronavirus), Fulton County Schools made the
decision to close all schools today and to make an announcement about next
steps by 5 p.m. today. We support this decision and thank Superintendent Mike
Looney for his leadership and for taking care to ensure students’ safety.
We
are advising all Georgia school districts to continue following the guidance of
the Georgia Department of Public Health and their local boards of health. At
this time, school closures are not recommended for other areas.
All
school districts should continue to take preventative measures, including
providing ample time for students and staff to wash their hands and developing
plans to continue student learning should your school district need to close
for several days.
Parents
should keep children who are sick at home – don’t send them to school. Teach
your children to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and to
stay at least three feet away from people who are sick.
Georgians
can be confident the safety of our students is our first priority. I thank
Governor Kemp for acting proactively to protect all Georgians. We will continue
to work closely with him and with Public Health to ensure schools have the most
up-to-date information, resources, and support regarding COVID-19.”
