Coronavirus: Nine test positive at Georgia school where photo of crowded corridor went viral
The student who shared the image was suspended and others were warned they would be punished if they did the same
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nine people have tested positive for Covid-19 at a Georgia high school just days after a photo of a packed hallway went viral.
Six students and three staff members who were at North Paulding High School in Dallas, Georgia last week have tested positive, according to a letter sent to parents on Saturday.
The letter stated: "We have anticipated that Covid-19 would impact us as it has nearly every community, and the district has worked in partnership with the Department of Public Health (DPH) to proactively implement safety precautions and response plans.”
It did not say if anyone will be quarantined or whether the school will be closed.
Hannah Watters, 15, posted an image to social media showing students packed into a corridor - some without masks.
She was later suspended and others were warned they would be punished if they did the same.
She said: “It was worse than I thought it was going to be. I didn't feel safe, especially coming home to family after going to school."
Her suspension was rescinded on Friday following an outcry, and she said she planned to return to school on Monday - before news of the positive tests were announced.
The school wrote a letter to parents after the release of the photos, saying: "Under the Covid-19 protocols we have adopted, class changes that look like this may happen, especially at a high school with more than 2,000 students."
Donald Trump and education secretary Betsy DeVos have both pushed for schools to reopen for in-person learning whenever possible.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments