Tuscaloosa County School System Monitoring Rise In Virus Cases

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa County School System is closely monitoring the rise in new coronavirus cases locally, while at the same time gearing up for the 2021-2022 school year next month.

A little more than two weeks before students are set to return on Aug. 12, DCH Health System reported 52 inpatients on Monday — the system's highest market since February. While local officials have all expressed concern over the new surge in cases, along with worries focused on public apprehension of the widely-available vaccine, there have been little in the way of updates to local emergency orders.

ALSO READ: Amid Sharp Spike, DCH Says Over 90% Of New Patients Unvaccinated

But as uncertainty looms over the next days and months, TCSS says it will adjust accordingly to best protest its students and employees. This also comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to announce on Tuesday that it will once again recommend face coverings for everyone in K-12 schools, whether they have been vaccinated or not.

TCSS spokesperson Terri Brewer pointed out that the system, with its 19,000 students across 34 schools, will follow the same approach as last year by operating under the guidance of the ADPH Toolkit for schools, in addition to staying in line with any current state health order in effect.

"We are moving forward doing the same this year, and as we prepare for the start of school, we are monitoring for any updates to the ADPH Toolkit," she said. "Our cleaning protocols and focus on good health practices remain in place."

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com