ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida school districts are answering the question: What would happen if someone tests positive for the coronavirus on campus?
"We do have contingency plans," said Seminole County Public Schools spokesman Michael Lawrence. "We will adapt as needed."
News 6 examined the reopening proposals of school districts in nine counties: Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, Osceola, Lake, Sumter, Flagler and Marion.
Most of them had similar protocols as they move into the new school year if someone tests positive or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19:
- Isolate the staff member, teacher or student immediately
- Begin contact tracing to determine who the person may have exposed
- Contact local and state health departments to alert them of what’s happening
- Disinfect the school property
Some districts, such as Seminole, Brevard, Marion and Sumter also add they are ready to modify class schedules or completely close schools if there is any outbreak.
"If our health department and the CDC says we need to reverse course, we most certainly will do so," said Lawrence. "Just like we did on a dime at the end of last school year."
Orange County Public Schools discussed their protocols in a virtual townhall meeting on Wednesday night.
Chief Academic Officer Kathryn Shuler said they would be taking positive incidents on a case-by-case basis.
“If it’s isolated to one particular classroom, we will act accordingly to that,” she said. “Involved in that process or procedure is contact tracing, as well, so we will work with the FDOH in order to make the appropriate decision. Our district management emergency team, along with our policy team and the area superintendents, the principals and the principal supervisors will work together to determine the appropriate action in regards to a positive COVID case. Yes, we are prepared to switch gears if we have to shut down a classroom, and those students would switch to Launch-Ed.”