Photo: Columbus Powell Elementary School in Johnson City, Tennessee; Photo Credit: Google Maps
As people across the state await Governor Lee’s final decision on the sweeping COVID-19 bill passed by legislators last week, Johnson City School System has been working to come up with a plan to continue precautions for COVID-19 if a ban on mask mandates goes into effect.
He noted that there are some adjustments that need to made to the bill, but he is preparing to work with lawmakers on those.
“There are some issues that we need to work through with the General Assembly, and I’ve spoken to both speakers about that,” Lee told reporters Wednesday. “In fact, we’re meeting about that today. But my plan is to sign that bill.”
Part of the bill will prevent schools from forcing mask mandates. It will also make the qualifications for quarantining sick or exposed students much more stringent.
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News 5 asked Johnson City Schools Director Steve Barnett how important mask mandates and quarantining have been to the system’s fight against COVID.
“We feel that those have been very important to our COVID mitigation,” Barnett stated. “But our numbers at this point are low as you can see from our dashboard.”
While the state experienced an uptick in cases of COVID with the Delta variant, Johnson City Schools was able to keep that number under control. Their COVID regulations were planned to be in place until January, but the schools have begun to work on new procedures for the impending change to that timeline.
Barnett explained, “We’re just waiting to find out if there’s a change that occurs to be ready to make that change. We’ll follow the law.”
The schools will still publish case numbers and continue with some basic safety measures that help to combat against the spread of all illnesses. Health departments will still trace exposure, but there will not be as many options for quarantining students.
Barnett noted that parents now have a choice regarding the COVID vaccine for their children, but he is hopeful that they will continue to see lowered numbers.
“I am hopeful as parents have that opportunity and either choose to or do not choose to do so, that it helps us to work through, hopefully, this phase of the pandemic,” Barnett said.
About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career. Most recently, he served as Deputy Directory for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History. Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com
One Response
“There are some issues that we need to work through with the General Assembly, and I’ve spoken to both speakers about that,” Lee told reporters Wednesday. “In fact, we’re meeting about that today. But my plan is to sign that bill.”
Well then governor, your plan is to end your career in 2022! Go back to the farm. We are through putting up with RINOS who do not care about the personal and medical freedom of Tennesseans! Bye Bye Governor Lee!! Welcome to the Unemployment line!!