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Newton County Schools confirms employee diagnosed with coronavirus

The employee worked at Newton County Theme School.

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities confirmed on Sunday that a Newton County School System employee who works at one of the schools has tested positive for coronavirus.

The school system released an update on its website that school officials were contacted by the Newton County School System about the employee. While they didn't identify the patient, they did say the employee works at Newton County Theme School.

The health department is now conducting an investigation and working to identify close contacts with that employee and is working to make sure it takes necessary precautions. Class in Newton County had already been canceled on the advisement of Governor Brian Kemp before the patient was ever identified.

During the time the school system is closed the school system is urging students to remain home to reduce the chance of getting the virus. Like many school systems across the state, schools in Newton County are closed indefinitely beginning Monday. During this time, the system will thoroughly clean schools and buses.

On Sunday, the Georgia Department of Health said there were 99 COVID-19 cases in the state. Only one death has been reported. 

In Georgia, the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low, according to officials. At 11Alive, we’re focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. To see our full coverage, visit our coronavirus section, here: www.11Alive.com/Coronavirus.  

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