Jefferson County COVID surge spurs school masks, hospital changes

LOUISVILLE, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - With 50 active cases of COVID-19 in Jefferson County, local schools have boosted their mask requirements and the hospital is restricting visitors.

Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Jim Anderson said Monday’s increase to 50 active cases was a jump of 36 from Friday. He said since data-keeping began, the county has seen 1,948 positive test results.

The Georgia Department of Public Health “has not furnished us with an updated list of deaths, but I know it is higher than the last reported 69,” Anderson said in an email.

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Due to the local spread of coronavirus, Jefferson County School System Superintendent Molly Howard said the district has added a mask mandate for all middle school students while they are indoors.

Masks were already required for high school students as well as all staff at all schools.

She said masks remain “strongly encouraged” for elementary students. A stronger requirement hasn’t been added for the younger students because nearly all of them have already been wearing masks, Howard said.

Howard emphasized that the school district has been fortunate not to have seen many cases so far. The change is being made out of caution because of the increased rate of spread in the community, she said.

If the spread of the virus starts to decline, “we’re ready to spin on a dime,” Howard told News 12.

Hospital restricts visitors

Meanwhile, the local hospital has updated its visitation policy like others in the region.

The 37-bed Jefferson Hospital in Louisville said each patient will be allowed one visitor, who must be at least 16 years old. This will be enforced throughout the facility, in all Physicians’ Health Group locations, and Rehabilitation Centers.

Masks are required at all times in all facilities, and hand-washing and sanitization is very strongly urged.

The hospital cafeteria remains open for takeout only.

The hospital also noted that Jefferson Hospital’s Physicians’ Health Group locations are offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Monday through Friday without an appointment.