In response to rising COVID-19 infections, three metro Atlanta school systems announced that they will begin the school year using a 100% virtual learning model.
Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney, who has been saying for weeks that the school system’s decision would be based on community spread of the virus and the course of the virus, said the data was moving in the wrong direction and that Fulton Schools would start virtual learning August 17.
Below is Looney’s official announcement.
Marietta City Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera also signaled his intent to begin schools virtually.
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Cobb County Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale is also planning a virtual-only start on August 17.
Each county school board must vote to approve the plan submitted by the superintendents.
As of Wednesday, Fulton County had 11,746 confirmed cases of coronavirus and Cobb County had 7,571 confirmed cases. Fulton County has had 1,318 hospitalizations and 331 deaths, while Cobb County has had 7,571 hospitalizations and 256 deaths from the virus.