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Some Tampa Bay school districts to track COVID-19 cases during holiday break

school desk
Posted at 7:01 AM, Dec 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-22 07:48:42-05

TAMPA — Multiple TampaBay Area school districts will keep track of positive COVID-19 cases during the winter break.

Hillsborough County:

Hillsborough County school leaders say the decisions families make during this holiday season will impact schools in the area.

District officials say each principal will be sending out information to families on how they can report a case over the break. For example, by sending a message to a designated email or calling a certain number.

The district will be monitoring cases as they are reported.

Each school will be collecting information about cases from families and reporting it to the district so officials can make sure their data stays accurate.

Leaders are asking families to be responsible over the break to ensure the safety of students and staff when returning to campus in January.

Officials are urging parents to pay special attention to their child’s health during this time off and do health checks.

Students should not return to campus in January if:

  • They are sick
  • They are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
  • They’ve been exposed to a positive case over the brea

Pasco County:

In Pasco County, school district leaders tell us they’ll be directly involved in monitoring COVID-19 cases during the beginning of the break.

While the health department usually notifies the school district of COVID-19 cases, officials say parents can also call their child’s individual school if they contract the virus.

Leaders are concerned about virus spread over the holidays and when students come back.

They want families to know: your vigilance doesn’t end when you leave campus, students and families have to be careful at all times.

Upon returning to school, Pasco school officials say students and staff should use the self screener that’s posted on all school websites.

Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not return to campus.

Sarasota County:

The Sarasota County School District says its contact tracers will not be monitoring tracking forms or working on any COVID-19 cases.

Leaders say COVID-19 exposures will not directly impact schools and work environments during the break.

However, officials say any student or staff member who tests positive or is exposed to a positive case should report directly to the Department of Health for guidance.