Paulding County Schools Closure Extended Through April 13

DALLAS-HIRAM, GA — The Paulding County School District announced the extension of school closures until at least April 13 on Tuesday morning. The change is due to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's ban on groups of more than 10 people until April 6 to combat the new coronavirus. Spring break was already scheduled from April 6 to 10.

"All school-related activities and events are canceled during the closure," the district said in a statement. "The COVID-19 health crisis is a continuously changing environment and we sincerely appreciate your patience and support."

Paulding County Schools already had one confirmed employee case of COVID-19 at Shelton Elementary School. According to the district, school leaders were notified on Monday, March 16 and issued letters to families of the school and released a statement online the same day.

The Georgia Department of Public Health provided the following statement to the district:

"The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed that the Shelton Elementary School employee diagnosed with COVID-19 was asymptomatic (showing no symptoms such as cough) while at work and that there is no need to contact anyone else at this time as part of our investigation. However, monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath is prudent right now for all of us. Contact your healthcare provider immediately should you notice such symptoms."

Cleaning and sanitation work has already begun in all schools.

For more information on schools in the Paulding County School District, visit www.paulding.k12.ga.us.