DeKalb Closes Elementary School Due to COVID-19 Case Surge

DECATUR, GA — Oak View Elementary School will be closed temporarily due to rising COVID-19 cases and subsequent close contacts, the DeKalb County School District announced Thursday.

The district said 18 students tested positive for COVID-19 over the past five days, affecting more than 90 students and 13 staff members who have to quarantine and isolate after being identified as close contacts.

Students in pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, second grade and fifth grade were all affected. No students in third or fourth grades have tested positive, the district said in a news conference Thursday.

The building will close effective Friday, and is scheduled to reopen Sept. 13. Virtual learning and working will be implemented for all students and staff at the school, and essential workers will report as conditions allow.

Students who have not received devices for virtual learning can pick them up between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday at Oak View. Breakfast and lunch will be made available all week between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

"We ask that our students, teachers and staff continue to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines to help and prevent the spread of the virus," Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris said in the news conference.

COVID-19 vaccines are available at DeKalb County's mobile vaccination clinics. More information can be found here.

For up-to-date information on vaccination and testing opportunities, visit the district's website.