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What Dawson County Schools are doing to prepare for the Coronavirus
Board of Education Sign.JPG
The Board of Education building at 28 Main Street. - photo by Jessica Taylor

Dawson County Schools released a statement to students and parents Friday afternoon about the ways in which the school system is preparing itself for the potential of a Coronavirus outbreak.

Though there are no confirmed cases in Dawson County or Georgia at this time, officials with Dawson County Schools say they are working with local and state health to prepare for a possible outbreak of the virus.

“Our Safe Schools Coordinator has already been involved in local meetings with our local Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Department and state-level meetings to prepare for any needed actions,” Hershel Bennett, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations said in the release. “We have also been in communication with the Department of Public Health and the State Board of Education.”

Based on information released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) concerning the Coronavirus, Dawson County School officials say they plan to keep students safe by providing healthy school environments.

According to the release, the school system has purchased and utilized a Victory Handheld Electrostatic Spray System which uses a disinfectant spray, combined with an electromagnetic charge to prevent the spread of germs and viruses in the schools and on buses. School staff have already attended training sessions on how to use the new spray system.

School nursing staff will provide detailed information to principals and district staff on the number of students they see each week, and why. Should a confirmed case of Coronavirus occur, the school community will be immediately informed, the release says. 

In the event of a school closing, the school system will utilize online learning days to provide instruction and support for students.

 “Dawson County Schools will take all necessary actions to keep schools open and operating while providing a clean and safe environment,” Bennett said. “While the full impact of an outbreak cannot be predicted, planning for teaching and learning to continue will lessen the impact on our students, staff, facilities, and mission. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.”

The school system also stated that the common cold and flu viruses are still active during these last few winter months, recommending everyone stay healthy through frequent hand washing, symptom awareness and avoiding contamination of public spaces when ill.