Athens mask mandate extended, Oconee Co adds to coronavirus death toll

Barrow Co schools begin in-classroom instruction today

Athens-Clarke County Commissioners have extended for another month the local mask mandate: masks have to be worn in public spaces in Athens through at least October 15.

Oconee County has added two more deaths from coronavirus, for a total since March of 26. Athens COVID 19 death toll stands at 41.

While confirming another 1,100 cases of coronavirus, the Georgia Department of Public Health says the state added just three deaths from COVID 19 over the past 24 hours. There have been 2.7 million Georgians tested for coronavirus since March. The positive test rate is 10.3 percent.

Some parents are complaining in Hoschton. Parents of students at Mill Creek High School are not happy with the news that more than 70 students and staffers at the fourth largest public school in the state are in quarantine after possible exposure to coronavirus.

Barrow County Schools reopen to students today: schools in and around Winder began the new school year with on-line instruction only, but students and teachers are due back in classrooms this morning. The Northeast Georgia Health System says COVID 19 patient numbers at its hospitals in Gainesville and Braselton are at their lowest levels in more than two months.