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Clarke County Schools Encourage Masks but Stop Short of Mandate

AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

Athens-Clarke County’s mask mandate has been in effect for several days, but not in Clarke County Schools.

On Thursday, the Clarke County School District issued a statement encouraging staff, students, and visitors to mask up for the 2022-23 school year. School officials say they plan to take additional precautions for the new year, such as by distributing masks to those who need them, and updating their air conditioning systems. Students, staff, and families will have access to free COVID-19 testing, along with vaccinations during September and October at each CCSD school on a rotating basis.

ACC reinstated its mask mandate for public spaces and private entities several days ago, after the CDC identified Athens at a high risk of community transmission of COVID-19 in mid July. Unlike CCSD, Gwinnett Schools, which also face a high community risk of COVID-19, now require all staff to wear masks on its campuses.