APS shuts down 2 food sites after workers test positive for COVID-19

ATLANTA — Atlanta Public Schools has shut down two of its 10 food distribution sites after employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen on Thursday announced the closures of food sites at Thomasville Heights Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School. In a memo to families and staff members, Carstarphen said that two employees who worked at the Thomasville Heights site in late March and two employees who worked at the high school site in early April tested positive for the disease caused by the coronavirus.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Digital learning amid the coronavirus pandemic]

“Given this development, the district has closed Thomasville Heights and Washington High School as food distribution sites effective immediately and has notified any individuals who may have come in contact with those employees. The district has already been busing food to the Thomasville and Washington school community families and that will continue on Monday, April 20,” Carstarphen wrote.

The eight remaining food sites are: Bunche Middle School, Cleveland Avenue Elementary School, Douglass High School, Hope-Hill Elementary School, King Middle School, Phoenix Academy, Sylvan Hills Middle School and Young Middle School.

On Friday afternoon, Carstarphen held a townhall on Facebook Live and talked about why she had to close the two food distribution sites.

Parents who used to get food at these sites can still get it from designated bus stops.

“So, go to the bus stops, that’s going to be critical. Go to the bus stops, look on the website, you’ll see the stops and the times and on Monday, please get out there at the bus stops and pick up the food but do not go to Thomasville Heights or Washington,” Carstarphen said.

Parents should go to the Atlanta Public Schools website and see which bus stop is best for them.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed to this report.

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APS working to supply 6,000 students with virtual learning equipment amid coronavirus When schools first closed in March, APS handed out nearly 10,000 devices -- whether it was laptops or access to Wi-Fi. Just during spring break, they rushed out 500 more. But 6,000 students still aren't connected.

This story was written by Vanessa McCray, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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