9 People Test Positive For Coronavirus At Georgia High School Seen In Viral Photo Of Crowded Hallway

A Paulding County high school that gained national attention after viral photos showing the hallways crowded with unmasked students has reported that six students and three staff have tested positive for coronavirus, the school district told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday.

A spokesman for the Paulding County School District gave the publication a copy of a letter sent out to parents from the school’s principal, Gabe Carmona.

“At this time, we know there were six students and three staff members who were in school for at least some time last week who have since reported to us that they have tested positive,” the letter reads. “In each case, we are following the DPH recommendations for reporting.”

The letter goes on to state that the school is cleaned and disinfected daily and asks parents to be proactive in checking their child’s temperature twice a day and monitor them for coronavirus symptoms. The letter does not include any information on whether any other of the students and staff who have been exposed will have to quarantine or whether or not any classrooms will be closed.

North Paulding High School, which began its school year on Monday, came under fire for suspending two students over the viral photos of the crowded hallways. After receiving severe criticism for the punishment, the school district reversed the suspensions.