Farnell Middle School Closed After Coronavirus Contact

WESTCHASE, FL — Hillsborough County Schools announced Thursday morning that Farnell Middle School, 13912 Nine Eagles Drive, off Race Track Road, will close for the two days before next week's spring break after a man at the school came into contact with a coronavirus patient.

This is the first public school to close in Tampa Bay since the outbreak.

Incoming Schools Superintendent Addison Davis said parents were notified through an email and a robocall.

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"This decision is based on children," Davis said. "It is a precautionary measure."

The school district isn't specifying how the man is affiliated with the school but Davis said he has "continuous contact at our schools." The man came in contact with the coronovirus patient during the last six days outside of Hillsborough County. He is not showing symptoms and is self-isolated.

While the school is closed, it will be deep-cleaned over a 48-hour period and possibly into spring break next week. Davis said the school district has a cleaning vendor on standby.

"They will come in and do a light, thermal fog within every one of our classrooms, every one of our offices, every one of our common areas," Davis said.

The school district is also deep cleaning more than a dozen school buses that transport Farnell students

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