ST. MARYS, Ga. – St. Marys Elementary School will remain closed Tuesday after school officials reported an “unexpected safety issue” that prompted the school’s closure on Monday morning.
While the discovery of bats in school buildings is relatively uncommon, environmental health officials said there’s no cause for alarm.
“I have been with the department for 19 years, and as far as big buildings like this, it occasionally comes up,” said Brant Phelps, Environmental Health Manager with the Department of Public Health. “It’s something that’s not impossible, but I would lean more toward the rare side.”
According to Camden County Schools, licensed professionals were on site completing the “humane removal” of bats that were found inside the school’s building. The crews will also seal the affected areas of the building and conduct a comprehensive cleaning and sanitation process.
“There is no immediate danger to students or staff. The temporary closure is a precautionary measure to allow the remediation work to be completed thoroughly and safely,” the district wrote in a social media post.
The initial announcement came around 7 a.m. Monday, when school administration officials said bats were discovered inside parts of the school’s building.
Public health officials emphasize there was no sign of direct contact between students and the bats.
The school also set up a reunification site at St. Marys Middle School where parents were able to pick up their children after the closure announcement.
The school is expected to reopen on Wednesday, but officials said families and staff will be notified of any possible changes.
Phelps offered advice for anyone who finds themselves coming in contact with bats or similar wildlife:
“When it comes to bats and any wild animal, just always stay away. I know people love animals, and they want to go up and handle things, but wild animals are that way for a reason. We need to stay away from them.”
He said anyone with any concerns can contact the Department of Public Health, a personal physician or Georgia Poison Control.