Athens Elementary school halts in-person learning due to Covid-19 spike

Chase Street Elementary School

By Joe Johnson

Chase Street Elementary School on Friday put the brakes on in-person learning due to a spike in Covid-19 cases, according to Clarke County School District officials.

In a Friday afternoon letter to parents, school administrators said that Chase Street had eight

confirmed cases of the virus that resulted in 114 students being placed under quarantine.

"Due to these numbers and a determined effort to minimize any further spread, we are extending virtual learning for all students through next week," the letter stated. "At this time, we anticipate welcoming students back into the building on Monday, May 17.

Administrators said they wanted to finish the school year "with a healthy, safe, and fun last week of school."

However, "Based on everything we know at this time, this extended pause from in-person instruction is the recommended, safest way to prevent future viral infections," the letter stated.

According to administrators, trained contact tracers determined that the COVID-19 incidents at Chase are likely due to community exposures.

"It is a timely reminder that we cannot let our guard down," the letter to parents state. "We are asking all families to make an extra effort to stop the spread by limiting social interactions with non-household members, keeping appropriate social distancing, regularly washing hands, and continuing to correctly wear masks.

School officials said that if a parent's child tests positive for COVID-19 they should immediately notify Chase Street administrators at 706-543-1081.

Messages that are left with the school receptionists will be returned.

th our receptionist and your call will be returned.

Each Friday, the CCSD website https://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/domain/2610 is updated with the total number of COVID-19 positive cases as well as related quarantines at CCSD schools and facilities.

"Our contact tracing team determines whether cases occur within our buildings or if they result from community spread," said Donald Porter the school districts director of and public relations and communications..