School officials ‘heartbroken’ after student dies from COVID-19

School officials in Floyd County say they are “hearbroken” after a student died from COVID-19 earlier this week.

The child who died was a student at Coosa High School, which runs from grades 8 through 12.

“The loss of a child, at any time, under any circumstances, is a tragedy. We are heartbroken that COVID-19 has taken the life of a child,” said Floyd County Schools Superintendent Glenn White. “We extend our deepest sympathy to this child’s family and all others who have lost a loved one to this virus.”

Floyd County Schools will be closed to all students and staff through Labor Day, and school officials say they will be taking extra cleaning measures during the four-day weekend.

In addition, White says the school system has partnered with Floyd Medical to make COVID-19 vaccinations even more convenient.

Floyd Medical will have the Pfizer vaccine available to anyone ages 12 and up with a parent or guardian present at the Coosa High home football game versus Armuchee High on Friday. While the vaccination is encouraged by Floyd County Schools, it is not a requirement.

The school system is reminding parents to monitor their children for symptoms of COVID-19 and not to send children to school if they feel sick. School administrators will continue to follow Floyd County Schools’ established procedures for contact tracing and quarantining.

At this time White says there is no plan for any school closures.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, Floyd County has had 1,771 new coronavirus cases in the last two weeks. Coronavirus spread in Floyd County is currently at its highest level since the pandemic began.

HOW TO GET VACCINATED: COVID-19 has killed more than 30,000 Georgia residents. Don’t let yourself or your loved ones die from a preventable virus. COVID vaccines are free and widely available statewide without insurance or identification. To find a vaccination location or to schedule an appointment, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine.