Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS) will open its doors to students on Monday, Aug 8, with optional face masks wearing in place.

According to school superintendent Robbie Mason, while masks are optional, they are strongly encouraged.

“Masks are not required for students and staff,” Mason said. “However, mask-wearing is strongly encouraged for students and staff as we are currently in an area that is considered high risk for transmission by the CDC due to the number of new cases.

Last week, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) listed Charlotte County as having high COVID-19 community levels, with mask-wearing recommended.

A look at the numbers

The CDC weekly metrics used to determine the COVID-19 community level show new hospital admissions at 13.4 people per 100,000 residents for Charlotte. Overall, the data shows 202 newly reported cases this week. Data shows Charlotte with a 38% fully vaccinated population.

The Virginia Department of Health seven day case total shows 44 new reported cases in the Piedmont District, which encompasses Charlotte.

According to Piedmont Health District Director Dr. Maria Almond, the district has been seeing higher community levels since June, with several counties moving between medium and high community levels.