Manatee Co. Schools Re-Implement Some COVID-19 Procedures

BRADENTON, FL—The School District of Manatee County has re-implemented some COVID-19 procedures at its schools and support sites, according to an announcement.

"After evaluating the number and types of cases recorded during the first two days of school, we have determined we must re-introduce many of the additional procedures we had in place at our schools and support sites last year to strengthen our mitigation strategies," the school district said on its website.

The Bradenton Herald reports there were 36 cases of COVID-19 reported at Manatee schools in the first two days of this school year.

The district strongly encourages everyone to wear masks when indoors, and also strongly encourages everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to get the vaccine.

The following procedures are now in place, according to the district:

• All students and employees who are sick or who have symptoms will be sent home until they are symptom free.
• Temperature checks will be taken daily for all employees and randomly for students.
• Reinforce and practice proper handwashing techniques among students and staff.
• Provide and encourage the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Deep clean and disinfect schools and school buses daily, or in-between uses as needed.
• Make every effort to social distance as much possible in schools.
• District employees visiting schools, other than their own, must wear masks during the school day.
• Provide plastic shields in elementary classrooms and cafeterias where possible.
• All employees will answer COVID-related questions daily upon arriving at work.
• Limit non-essential visitors and volunteers to school campuses.
• Wearing masks when indoors is strongly encouraged.
• Everyone eligible to be vaccinated is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.