COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — While there are no cases of coronavirus in Southwest Florida…Collier County Public schools has a plan for students and staff traveling for spring break.
Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton told students, staff and volunteers if they’re traveling to areas of concern to self-isolate when they get back. Those hot spots include China, Italy, South Korea, Iran and Japan.
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To keep students healthy, the district’s posted flyers in all school bathrooms, reminding students to wash their hands.
Barron Collier High freshman Dakota Kehoe-Rivera said she’s planning to stay home in Naples for spring break next week, but said self-isolation should be shorter for those traveling.
“You have to make up all your work, and you have to make up all your grades and stuff,” she said.
The district said they’re prepared to allow students to complete their assignments during that time. But, Lin Li who has a student in fifth grade at Osceola Elementary said it’s not long enough.
“The virus slowly attacks the body, so 14 days, I don’t think is enough. At least one month to two months for the kids safety,” she said.
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The Centers for Disease Control has recommended the two-week isolation period.
If there’s a coronavirus outbreak in Collier County. Dr. Patton said they’re prepared for that too. The district would handle online classes and teachers can still teach from home.
“They would have ability through our canvass system to be able to communicate with the kids back and forth, and do assignments,” she said.
This district’s pandemic plan is something they created for any viral outbreak. So, it’s not specific to coronavirus and can be applied in case there’s another illness of concern.
