He said he does support Fulton County's decision to close after an employee tested positive for COVID-19

ATLANTA — While the office of state schools superintendent Richard Woods said it supports Fulton County's decision to close, they said widespread closures are not recommended for other areas due to worry about the coronavirus.

The Fulton County Schools superintendent announced on Monday that an employee had been diagnosed with COVID-19, and because of that, all schools were closed on Tuesday.

"We support this decision and thank Superintendent Mike Looney for his leadership and for taking care to ensure students’ safety," state superintendent Woods said.

Woods said they are advising all Georgia school districts to continue following the guidance of the Georgia Department of Public Health and their local boards of health.

"All school districts should continue to take preventative measures, including providing ample time for students and staff to wash their hands and developing plans to continue student learning should your school district need to close for several days," he said.

He went on to say that parents should keep kids at home if they are sick and suggested teaching children to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and to stay at least three feet away from people who are sick.

"Georgians can be confident the safety of our students is our first priority. I thank Governor Kemp for acting proactively to protect all Georgians. We will continue to work closely with him and with Public Health to ensure schools have the most up-to-date information, resources, and support regarding COVID-19,” he added.

Fulton County Schools said they will announce by 5 p.m. plans moving forward for the remainder of the week, and if they will remain closed or reopen tomorrow.