While Habersham County’s COVID-19 cases have reached all-time highs, Habersham County Schools’ COVID-19 cases are decreasing.
The number of cases in the Habersham County School System have decreased from last week’s, from 58 student COVID-19 cases to 36, and from 32 school staff cases to 12. There are currently 61 students in quarantine due to possible exposure, which is up five students from last week.
With an enrollment rate of 6,995 students, less than one percent of students are currently infected with COVID-19.
Even though the school system’s numbers are declining, Habersham County is reaching record highs for COVID-19 cases. The District Two Department of Health and Habersham Medical Center have both encouraged everyone, vaccinated or not, to continue masking to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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However, Superintendent Matthew Cooper says there are no plans for Habersham Schools to engage in a mask mandate, unlike the neighboring Hall County School District, which instated a temporary mask mandate.
“We will continue to follow the guidelines in this document [Habersham Schools’ COVID-19 protocols] and also consult with public health when encountering situations with the virus,” Cooper says. “We are taking reasonable precautions to address the virus but there are still no plans for mask mandates. Whether or not a student wears a mask should be left up to parents.”
The Habersham County School System continues to offer virtual learning opportunities for students and vaccination opportunities for interested faculty and staff.
Those who would like to obtain weekly COVID-19 updates must contact Director of Nursing and Health Services Crystal Holcomb at [email protected] or speak with their child’s school principal.
