School districts in Georgia and South Carolina are getting ready to welcome students back to the classrooms at a time when states are reporting increases in the number of new COVID-19 cases, particularly the delta variant.
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted guidance for schools on the CDC website.
The recommendations include wearing masks indoors for all individuals aged two and older who are not fully vaccinated and maintaining at least three feet of physical distance between students within classrooms to reduce transmission risk.
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Dr. David Blake, professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine at Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, said he is alarmed by the local, state and national increase in cases of COVID-19.
“The virus transmission is growing. We know right now that cases are doubling every nine days. That means, a month from now, our nation, on average, will be worse than our winter wave,” he said. “We’re heading back to school in the next few weeks, and we would expect a month from now, at the current rates, it looks like things are going to be really bad for disease rates.”
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During a stop in Augusta on July 23, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said school districts should follow the data and the science.
“I have a lot of great confidence in our local schools and school boards,” he said. “We had most schools across our state open all last year during the best times and during the worst times and they had a great school year. We need our kids back in school. That’s what the numbers say and our teachers have had the opportunity to be vaccinated. It’s time to get our kids back in the classroom.”
Dr. Philip Coule, vice-president and chief medical officer of Augusta University Health System, said he is more concerned about the Delta strain, especially for older teenagers, but does not believe school cannot have in-person learning.
“Columbia County school system started at the height of the peak and saw absolutely no difference in cases,” he said. “They went to full, in-person learning at the peak of this, and we saw absolutely no difference in cases.”
Blake wants vaccinations to be mandatory.
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“I’m a firm proponent that we should mandate vaccinations for both parents and students in school, ages 12 and up, and at universities,” said Blake. “If I were on a school board, I would certainly push for mandatory demonstration of immune protection, and mandatory vaccinations with exemptions for those that have been infected.”
He added that without mandated vaccinations, schools will need to have mitigation steps in place.
“Sticking a HEPA filter in the classroom that’s rated MERV 13 or higher and rated for the room size will dramatically affect transmission in the classroom. It would cost about $10 a kid,” he explained.
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Augusta University and local school districts have back-to-school plans posted on their websites.
AU is not requiring masks for those who are vaccinated, and masks are optional for those who are not vaccinated, according to the AU policy. Masks are required at AU Medical Center.
Richmond County schools are encouraging all students 12 and up to get vaccinated but is not requiring vaccinations. It is also following CDC guidelines, which encourage the unvaccinated who are age 2 and up to wear masks inside.
Columbia County is allowing students who wish to to wear masks and is requiring masks on school buses, in accordance with Kemp’s executive order requiring masks on buses at least through Sept. 13.
Aiken County is also recommending wearing masks but not requiring them.
AU’s policy is on the student resource page here; the guide for Richmond County schools is here; the Columbia County plan is here; and Aiken County’s plan is here.
Dr. Brannon Traxler, public health director with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Control, said they are reviewing the CDC’s recommendations. She said DHEC expects to release a statewide plan this week.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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