Area schools are set to begin the new year in the next three weeks. While schools throughout the area and state are set to re-open with students in-seat, there are renewed safety concerns as COVID-19 cases continue to climb in the state. Macon County Health Department Administrator Mike Chambers says the department intends to work closely with Macon County schools when it comes to re-opening safely.

Chambers adds those mitigation measures will be similar to last year’s

The Macon County Health Department began discussing mitigation efforts with local school districts this week.