School is back in session at Rabun County Schools, Tallulah Falls School and Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, and each has released updates regarding COVID-19 cases.
Rabun County Schools
Rabun County Primary School reported for last week that on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, there was one active case each day rolling over from the prior week. There was one new COVID case among students and staff on Tuesday.
Rabun County Elementary School reported for last week that on Monday and Tuesday, there were 10 active cases rolling over from the prior week. There were also three new cases among students and staff Monday and two new cases on Tuesday. There were eight active cases Wednesday, six on Thursday, and five on Friday.
Rabun County Middle School reported for last week that Monday through Friday there were two active cases rolling over from the prior week each day. There were three new cases reported on Tuesday.
Rabun County High School reported for last week that for Monday and Tuesday there were four active cases rolling over from the prior week each day, three active cases both Wednesday and Thursday, and two active cases reported Friday. There was one new case Monday and five new cases Tuesday.
Rabun County Schools released a COVID response protocol and prevention strategies.
“Rabun County Schools COVID response protocol during the school year 2021-22 is based on current community spread of COVID and current cases within a classroom or school. Current data will be reviewed daily. Protocols are subject to change as guidance and mandates are continually evolving,” according to the response protocol for the school system.
These protocols are broken down into Level 1, no or low number of active cases on campus; Level 2, moderate spread or moderate number of cases on campus, and Level 3; high number of cases on campus.
Quarantines:
“Guidance regarding quarantines continues to change and we’ll update our practices as needed throughout the school year,” according to protocols.
-Vaccinated students do not have to quarantine if exposed to a positive case unless they develop symptoms
-Quarantines are based on confirmed exposure [in close proximity for 15 minutes] to confirmed positive cases
Prevention strategies:
-Students and staff may wear masks while on campus, all students and staff who are sick are required to stay home, the number of people in the school cafeteria and on the playground will be limited as needed, approved disinfectant and hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building, frequently touched surfaces within the school and on buses will be cleaned and disinfected often and enhanced cleaning will occur throughout the school building, playground and school buses.
-School employees will teach and reinforce healthy hygiene practices, staff and students will be encouraged to use social distancing as needed, and temperature screenings may occur.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
“We had a healthy and successful start to the school year on Wednesday (25) and have no active cases on campus at this time,” according to a statement from Megan Morris, director of marketing and communication at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School.
Tallulah Falls School
Tallulah Falls School shifted to online learning platform for one week, effective Aug. 27. Unless otherwise notified, students will return to on-campus classes on Tuesday, Sept. 7.
“As everyone is aware, COVID-19 cases are on the rise. The number of positive cases and quarantined individuals in Habersham and the surrounding counties reflect what is happening in the rest of the world. We see numbers high enough for us to add another layer of protection for Tallulah Falls students, faculty and staff,” according to a statement from Tallulah Falls School.
“Athletic contests and practices will continue to be held during this time. We will take extra precautions to keep players and coaches safe. Individual coaches will be in contact with team members to communicate any schedule changes,” according to the statement.
“Our risk management committee and I continuously evaluate the effects that COVID-19 has in our home communities of Habersham and the surrounding counties. We layer our protocols to provide the greatest protection of our students, faculty and staff. In an effort to minimize the risk of exposure, particularly from asymptomatic students who may have been exposed in our community, we have put into effect a one-week blended learning program,” President and Head of School Larry Peevy said in a statement. “We have notified all of our families of this decision and have received tremendous positive support.”