Columbia city schools have been in session for a little more than a week and already are dealing with cases of COVID-19.
On Wednesday, Jan Lang’s grandson, who is in the 10th grade, was sent home because a student in close proximity had tested positive for the coronavirus. She said her grandson has to stay home and be quarantined for 14 days. In abundance of caution, she said her grandson was going to be tested as well.
Elizabeth Berry Beasley, the stepmother of the sophomore, said the school nurse walked him to the car and talked to her to make sure she understood everything when she picked him up.
“The school nurse walked him out, talked with us, answered all my questions to the best of her abilities and she was fabulous!” Beasley said.
Beasley said she was fine with the quarantine because she knows they are trying to keep the spread of the illness to a minimum.
“I’m very proud of the district for not letting a virus shut down our kids (sic) education!” she said.
Overall, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, state health officer, said on Tuesday a total of 42 cases in 27 different schools have been confirmed.
There were 612 new cases of the coronavirus in Mississippi Wednesday with 22 deaths. However, Marion County is no longer considered a “high incidence” county.
Columbia School District Superintendent Jason Harris issued a statement on Wednesday, when The Columbian-Progress reached out to him:
“As part of a carefully considered and reviewed school reopening plan adopted by the Columbia School District, and to comply with all federal and state laws enacted for the protection and privacy of students and employees, the Columbia School District is unable to provide specific information pertaining to the health or well-being of its students or employees.”
The statement also said:
“Any student who has been ‘close contact’ (as defined by the Center for Disease Control) with an affected student will be required to be properly quarantined.”
In the district policy regarding illness and coming into contact with the virus, it states, “Inform those who have had close contact to a person diagnosed with COVID-19 to stay home and follow state CDC/MSDH guidance if symptoms develop. If a person does not have symptoms, follow appropriate state guidance for home quarantine.”
