The Packed High School Featured in That Viral Photo Is Already Facing a Coronavirus Outbreak

“Days before school even started, they knew that many of the football players were sick,” said a person familiar with the issues at the high school. “They knew from before day one that it wasn’t going to work.”

Multiple teachers say there are positive results among the staff, including those who have come into contact with “most teachers” at the school while exhibiting symptoms.

“That was exactly one week ago, so we are all waiting to see who gets sick next week,” a North Paulding teacher told BuzzFeed.

While virtual learning was presented as an option, some students say they have no choice but to attend in person after all of the slots for virtual classes were filled.

One student, identified as James, was unable to sign up for online learning and attended class on Tuesday. When his parents saw the photograph of the packed hallway, they told him they wouldn’t be going back. But a few hours later, his mother was told by the school that students who “chose not to go to school” faced the possibility of suspension or expulsion.

He went back to class on Wednesday. “I had no choice,” he said.