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Friday, March 29, 2024

Marion County Schools report over 500 positive COVID-19 cases, 2,000 quarantines during fourth week of school

Marion County Schools reported over 500 new positive covid-19 cases and over 2,000 quarantines during the last week of school. 

The new figures were released as part of the Marion County Public Schools weekly COVID-19 report, covering August 28 to September 3. 

The data shows that 465 students and 74 employees tested positive for COVID-19, and that 2,027 students and employees were quarantined after having direct contact with someone who tested positive.

Nearly 60 schools and district departments reported positive cases during the week, including at least 27 elementary schools.

During the week prior, 733 students and employees tested positive, while 3,404 were forced to quarantine.

During an emergency meeting earlier this month, Marion County School Board members voted to implement a mask mandate with an opt-out clause for students.

Last week’s report indicates that 21% of the district, or 9,073 students, have opted out of face coverings.