SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — It's a question we've been getting to the fox 4 newsroom: how are Southwest Florida schools preparing for the possible spread of COVID-19?
So we asked.
In Charlotte county, they're reinforcing proper hand washing and working with the local health department, but they're also asking parents to help cut down on the spread of germs.
"If your child has a fever or doesn't feel good. Sometimes because of responsibility of the parent working they need to send the child to school because they can't provide daycare.So we're asking them do what you can so that this child doesn't come to school and have an impact on the other children in their classroom," said Michael Riley, Community Liason, Charlotte County Public Schools.
Lee County schools wasn't able to comment on camera, but leaders says they're having discussions about the possible spread of the virus.
In Collier County, they're teaching mini-courses on hand washing, increasing hand sanitizer on campuses, reviewing plans and posting notices at the entrance of every school.
"We found it's appropriate to raise 5 key questions to parents, students, volunteers and staff," said Jon Fishbane, School Attorney, Collier County Public Schools.
The questions ask everyone who walks into a collier county school about recent international travel and if they're experiencing flu-like symptoms.
These measures are music to the ears of local parents we spoke to, including one who says she's extra custodial cleaning at the end of the day would also give her peace of mind.
"Just to make sure everything is wiped down and maybe wipe their desks down and you know public areas, keep them a little cleaner than normal, but otherwise I think they do an amazing job," said Suzanne Hill.
In the event that schools need to close because of COVID-19, all three districts say they're looking into providing virtual classes to students.
