HCS Moves to Level 3 on Continuum of COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies
Submission Date: October 15, 2021
Release Date: For Immediate Release
Contact: J.D. Hardin, 770-957-6601 ext. 01161, john.hardin@henry.k12.ga.us
(Release # 0017-10-2021)
HCS Moves to Level 3 on Continuum of COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies
Closely monitored improving health metrics enable district to reduce some restrictions
HENRY COUNTY, GA – Henry County Schools officials announced on Friday, October 15 that the district would move from Level 4 to Level 3 on its Continuum of Multi-Layered Mitigation Strategies due to improving health metrics in the county and school community. The move takes effect district-wide starting Monday, October 18.
“As a part of our commitment to keeping our students, staff, and families safe over the past 19 months, we have closely monitored and shared the health metrics from the impact of COVID-19 in order to make the best decisions regarding learning options for our students,” said Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis. “I have been committed to being responsive to the data that captures the prevalence of COVID in our community which is why after further study this week and continued collaboration, I am announcing that we will move to the Level 3 mitigation phase on our continuum of mitigation strategies effective starting next Monday.”
Henry County Schools has used its COVID-19 Playbook and Continuum of Multi-Layered Mitigation Strategies since the start of the 2021-2022 school year to help provide appropriate responses to any increases in the number of COVID-19 cases impacting our schools. This approach has proved pivotal to enacting a quick and measured response to ensure safety and health while also minimizing any disruptions for students, staff, and their families. These efforts led the district through the worst spike in case numbers so far without derailing critical instruction.
“We have a plan that is working to keep schools open and to keep students and employees safe, and just as decisive as we demonstrated we may need to be if the community health conditions changed, we will stand ready to do that in future instances, if that becomes necessary,” added Davis. “In the meantime, we have to use our plan and take the cautious step to lower levels of mitigation intensity, and now is the right time to do that.”
The details of Level 3 requirements can be found on the district’s website. Of note, the district will move away from the mask requirement to a stance of masks being strongly recommended. Additionally, field trips will resume and capacity limitations on outdoor events will be lessened. However, enhanced signage, cleaning protocols, regular air filtration cleaning, accessibility of hand sanitizer, and sanitizing of high-touch surfaces will remain.
For more information on Henry County Schools, visit www.henry.k12.ga.us.
###