ATHENS, Ala. — Athens City Schools confirmed that two Athens High footballs players tested positive for COVID-19. Two Athens City Schools staff members, one of whom was at the Friday, August 7 football practice, have also tested positive.
On their Facebook page, Athens City Schools posted:
Two Athens City Schools (ACS) students have tested positive for COVID-19. The students are members of the Athens High School (AHS) football team. While AHS has been following safety guidelines, the school district, in an abundance of caution, has decided to suspend football practice through August 19. District leaders are hopeful that practice can resume on August 20.
On August 9, ACS was notified that two employees tested positive for COVID-19. ACS confirms one of the two employees was present at football practice on Friday, August 7. Both employees are currently under quarantine.
Over the next several days, parents should monitor their children for symptoms. The ADPH may reach out to parents as part of their contact tracing to notify anyone who may have had close contact with these students. If symptoms develop, students will need to quarantine or be tested for COVID-19. Parents should contact their healthcare provider to determine if testing is needed.
ACS is asking for assistance from parents to help control the spread. The school district is confident in the safety measures in place at practice, but the school has no control over what students do outside of practice. ACS is asking players to ensure that they stay at least 6 feet from anyone outside their family and to wear a mask if they cannot maintain 6 foot distancing.
"We want to have a fun and safe football season, but we also understand that this can only happen if students, parents and the school system work together," said Acting Superintendent Beth Patton.