Superintendent of Smith County Schools Nick Hillman says some 600 students plus staff are currently quarantined because of COVID-19. The county, at 23 percent, has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state. All schools will close for two weeks beginning Monday, August 23. The announcement comes after the death of 13-year old Mkayla Robinson. The 8th grader died over the weekend from COVID-19 complications.
“Some are taking it real hard, some are taking it bad. I mean it’s just a tragedy any time you lose a student. It’s a tragedy whatever way you lose a student,” said Hillman.
Hillman says when school began August 6, wearing masks were optional, after several days they became mandatory. The state health department reports between August 9-13th, over 4,500 students tested positive for COVID-19 statewide; with more than 20,000 quarantined. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the high rate of transmission will lead to more deaths among children.
“These tragedies are going to multiply. It’s just going to happen, very sadly. Most kids will get over it just fine. But if it’s your kid it’s a 100 percent tragedy for you and your family,” said Dobbs.
Health officials add COVID-19 cases are rising dramatically among children ages 5 to 17. That concerns Alicia Gaylor of Terry. The mother of three has an 11-year old who isn’t eligible to be vaccinated.
“If we all would just get the vaccine, it can save the lives of children who can’t get it because ultimately, they’re getting it from us,” said Gaylor
Health officials report 16 pediatric cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, with six children in ICU and another six on ventilators.
