Atlanta Public Schools: First Confirmed Case Of COVID-19 In APS

ATLANTA, Ga. (CW69 News at 10) --

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

No Exposure to Students, No Close Contact with Staff, According to Investigation by Fulton County Board of Health 

(Atlanta, GA) Atlanta Public Schools (APS) was notified of its first confirmed case of COVID-19 by the Fulton County Board of Health (BOH). However, in this case, there is no exposure to students, and for staff there was no close contact with this employee based on an investigation by the Board of Health. The Board of Health is communicating directly with the employee and has directed the employee to self-quarantine. Based on their determination, public health officials do not have any other students or employees to interview at this time. Per guidance from health officials, the identity of the employee must be kept confidential, but we can disclose that the employee did work at North Atlanta High School.

"Health officials confirmed for us that the biggest public health intervention we could have done has already been, and that was to close all schools in Atlanta Public Schools, a recommended mitigation strategy," said APS Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen. Atlanta now has widespread community transmission of COVID-19, and we all have to take that fact very seriously. We have to fight this as a community by collectively following the preventative guidance provided by health officials, and we have to commit to keeping each other healthy and safe."

While APS is closed for teleschooling and teleworking, all schools and buses in APS are being thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, following CDC guidelines for COVID-19 prevention, including cleaning and disinfecting high touch areas such as desks, hard surfaces, light switches, doorknobs, and handrails based on scientific research about COVID-19. In addition, our cleaning crews are using cleaning products that are on the Environmental Protection Agency's approved list for combatting COVID-19.

The District encourages everyone to exercise the following preventative measures recommended by health officials to stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Practice social distancing by avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.
• Avoid crowded places where close contact with others may occur, such as shopping centers, movie theaters, and stadiums.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

For more information about APS' response to COVID-19, visit https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/coronavirus.