APS notified of first confirmed case of COVID-19 in district

Fulton County Board of Health investigation finds no exposure to students and no close contact with other APS staff.

The Fulton County Board of Health (BOH) notified Atlanta Public Schools (APS) of its first confirmed case of COVID-19 today.

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 explained that the biggest public health intervention that Atlanta Public Schools could have done has already been done —all schools in Atlanta Public Schools are closed. They did advise that all North Atlanta High School students and staff members should continue to self-monitor at home and remain vigilant in exercising the following preventative measures to stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Practice social distancing by avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (i.e., no close contact with individuals, maintain a distance of more than 6 feet, and if within 6 feet, less than 10 minutes for any interaction) 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.
• Please seek medical attention if you or a family member feels ill or is exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

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.

Your continued safety and well-being is important to APS. As we work through the impacts of COVID-19 in our community, we are committed to providing you with accurate, timely and transparent information as we receive it. Continue to stay up-to-date on the District’s response to COVID-19 by visiting https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/coronavirus.

I’m thinking of all of you during this difficult time and am doing everything we can to keep you safe and informed. Please be safe and take care of yourself and your families.