In a troubling start to the school year, Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida, which serves approximately 220,000 students, reported that nearly 6,000 students and staff are currently under quarantine. The announcement comes just days after the district resumed in-person learning on August 10, amid a significant surge in COVID-19 cases across the nation, particularly in Florida.
As of August 16, the district confirmed that 5,599 students and 316 employees are either isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 or in quarantine due to close contact with someone who has tested positive. This situation is exacerbated by the ongoing spike in COVID cases in the state, with reports indicating around 150,000 new cases in Florida this week alone, including over 50 hospitalizations of children under 12 each day.
Compounding the issue, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remains steadfast in his opposition to mask mandates in schools, even threatening to cut funding for districts that choose to implement such measures. He had previously hinted at withholding salaries of school officials who defy his executive order but quickly retracted that statement.
Hillsborough County Superintendent Mark Thompson emphasized the importance of community safety measures in combating the virus. The district is set to hold an Emergency School Board Meeting on August 18 to discuss the pandemic’s impact and consider potential strategies to mitigate the virus’s spread, including possibly requiring masks for all students and staff. During this meeting, there will be an hour allocated for public comments.
In a statement to MSNBC, Thompson noted that while the district aims to mandate masks, it would allow parents the option to opt out, a move that raises concerns about efficacy and compliance with DeSantis’ order. “We will comply with all statutory requirements while also addressing the COVID challenges in our community,” he stated.
It’s increasingly evident that many officials are playing risky games with the health and safety of their constituents, putting individuals in a precarious position as they seek to protect themselves and their families in this ongoing battle.
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Summary:
Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida reported a staggering number of 5,600 students and staff members in quarantine within the first week of returning to in-person classes. This comes amid a significant COVID-19 surge, with the district facing challenges from state leadership regarding mask mandates. An emergency meeting is scheduled to address the current situation, highlighting ongoing concerns about health and safety in schools.