Schools remain open as Delta variant sweeps nation

Kaylin Moore - Senior, Co-Editor | News

As the new Delta variant of coronavirus spreads throughout the US, schools have remained open and in-person.

The newer, highly contagious variant surfaced in India before travelling to other parts of the world. The Center for Disease Control has documented over 37,000,000 cases of COVID-19 within the United States in the past month, and Putnam County alone has reported over 500 cases in the past week alone. The Delta variant seems to primarily affect unvaccinated individuals under 50 -- a younger age group than the original strain that caused a nationwide shutdown in 2020. In past weeks, the US has seen a five percent increase in child coronavirus cases.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued an executive order on August 16 that allows parents to opt their children out of any local mask mandates issued by schools.

“While local decision-making is important, individual decision-making by a parent on issues regarding the health and well-being of their child is the most important,” said Lee. “No one cares more about the health and well-being of a child more than a parent.”

Within Cookeville High School, administration has asked teachers to return their group seating arrangements to rows. The school board has not yet enacted a mask mandate.

“If you choose to wear a mask, great. If you choose to not wear a mask, great,” said Coach Baker about the current mask policy. “As far as students are concerned, I feel comfortable in their decisions and/or their parents' decision to mask their child or not.”

Contrarily, English teacher Joye Ashby feels that, “our leaders are elected to protect all of us in the community, or in Bill Lee’s case, the state. Not only has Bill Lee failed in that regard, but he has put up obstacles to prevent local leaders from stepping up for us at the local level.”

Overall, CHS faculty looks to their leaders for direction during this confusing time.

"I think that we should take any measures that medical experts feel is necessary to keep all of us safe,” said Coach Chaffin. “If told by my superiors to wear a mask, I will wear a mask."

As for the student body, some students have already begun wearing masks of their own accord.

“I like wearing a mask because it makes me feel more comfortable,” said Ethan Delk, senior. “Even if people around me are vaccinated, there is still a possibility of spreading COVID and I don’t want even a small possibility of that happening.”

Contrarily, some students at CHS agree with the governor’s decision.

“I think masks should be optional,” said Gracie Allen, senior. “I got COVID during the 2020 school year while wearing a mask all the time.”

Along with not requiring masking, the Putnam County School System does not require proof of vaccination at this time. However, the Pfizer vaccine is FDA-approved as of August 23, and Governor Bill Lee does urge citizens to vaccinate.

With cases rising every day in Putnam County, CHS’s future is uncertain.