News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Pickett County Director of School Diane Elder has asked teachers and staff to more closely follow the COVID guidelines outlined by the district.
Elder said she especially encourages more social distancing when staff gather. Elder said teachers getting infected could put the school at risk of temporary shutting down.
“We got situations where we have an employee that is positive that seven teachers, seven licensed people could feed off of that,” Elder said. “Could possibly become positive because of one employee.”
Elder said she met with the district’s principals Thursday to reinforce the precautions. Elder said Pickett County does not have the substitutes to handle a spike in cases.
“We have asked all teachers to make sure they are practicing all those precautions that we need to have in place,” Elder said. “Wiping done everything and distancing, and they are doing their best in distancing in the cafeteria where the kids are all together and in the classrooms the best we can. We just want to make sure that we look at safety being number one.”
At this point, mask will remain optional for employees but Elder said COVID practices do need to be followed. Elder said at the same time, school bus drivers are also short staffed. Elder said with only one substitute driver, it is important to keep the routes open.
“I worry about a bus driver being positive and not having anyone to run that route,” Elder said. “Our parents depend on that.”
As for student COVID numbers this week, Pickett K-8 Principal Julia Barker said about 35 students are in quarantine. At the Pickett High School, Principal Mitch Buckman said 30 students were recommended for quarantine with only five that stayed home.
