School year is over
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issues a statewide shelter in place order as contagion numbers continue to increase.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued this week a statewide shelter-in-place order to prevent spread of the coronavirus and shut down public schools for the rest of the year.
Kemp has previously resisted calls for a statewide order for all Georgians to shelter at home, saying those decisions are best left to local governments.
The result has been a patchwork of ordinances that can vary widely even between neighboring communities across the state of Georgia.
“We are taking action to protect our hospitals, to help our medical providers and prepare for the patient surge that we know is coming,” he said. ”This action will ensure uniformity across jurisdictions for Georgians sheltering in place and help families and businesses be able to comply with its provisions.”
Meanwhile, both local school systems announced plans regarding their respective feeding programs.
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“Gordon County Schools will continue its meal service to students after spring break, serving five breakfasts and five lunches per student each week. However, deliveries will be made only twice a week to limit person-to-person contact as much as possible. A new schedule for deliveries will be posted soon. Additionally, a supply of shelf-stable items will be made available this week to families in need for use during spring break,” said GCS Director of Communications Amy Parker via email.
She also noted that updates concerning the rescheduling of special events such as graduation will be announced at a later date.
“We are extremely saddened for our seniors, and we know how important graduation ceremonies and other events are for them and their families. Please know that we will make every effort to reschedule these events once it is safe to do so,” said Parker. “This is not the end-of-the-year we wanted or expected for our students, but we will continue to work through this to make the best of the situation at hand. As we embark on spring break next week, we encourage each of our students, staff members, and families to enjoy a muchneeded time of relaxation as we prepare for the coming weeks.”
Jennie Coker, school and community relations director for Calhoun City Schools, shared a similar message on Wednesday. She noted that the senior, Senior Grad Bash trip to Orlando, Florida, Six Flags Over Georgia trip and graduation have all been put on hold for the moment, but officials are working on a contingency plan for prom and graduation.