WARE COUNTY, Ga. — In a stunning announcement Friday, Ware County Schools say it is sending teachers and students home until September over a sharp rise in cases of COVID-19.
The school district says 76 students are currently positive for COVID-19 and 679 more are in quarantine due to possible exposure.
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Of the district’s 950 school employees, 67 are COVID positive and 150 have been quarantined.
On Thursday Ware officials announced all of its 11 schools would close early on Friday to undergo a deep cleaning and would be canceling all on-campus activities.
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The district shared the following statement to its Facebook:
“Due to a sharp increase in the number of active positive COVID cases reported among students and staff members as well as the number of individuals who are currently quarantined, the Ware County School System will temporarily cease daily operations for traditional and digital students and most staff members through Friday, August 27, 2021. Staff members who are required to work will be notified directly. During this two-week pause, no instruction will take place. In-season extra-curricular practices and competitions will continue as scheduled.”
“On Monday, August 30, 2021, all staff members will return to work for an additional week of pre-planning. Students will return to school on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.”
“We will release additional information as it becomes available. Please continue to watch our website and Facebook page for information and updates.”
In neighboring Glynn County, officials Friday cited COVID-19 over its decision to close multiple government buildings to the public beginning Monday, August 16.
This is a breaking news story. Action News Jax will have a live report on CBS47/FOX30 at 5.
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