CAPE CORAL, Fla – Students at Florida’s public universities continue to learn virtually as Summer session continues. However come Fall, all 12 are on track to reopen. Fox 4 has been covering the planning process to reopen schools in-depth. The next big step will be a meeting that’s set for Tuesday morning at the University of Central Florida.
All 12 universities are scheduled to present their individualized plans for reopening in the Fall. It will mark the biggest step toward rebounding we've seen the State University System take so far.
Fox 4’s Jessica Alpern spoke with Board of Governors Chair Syd Kitson in depth about the process. Kitson explained that Tuesday’s meeting is when we'll really get an inside look at what individualized plans to reopen schools like FGCU will look like.
The university’s in-depth Protecting the Nest plan submitted includes things like a phased employee return to campus. This is to ensure social distancing, availability of PPE, and testing capabilities.
The plan details strategies like Alternating Days and Remote Work when possible for staff.
An example timeline based on conditions of when the report was submitted earlier in June shows we could see 25% to 30% of staff and faculty return to campus in Phase 1.
It also says face masks or coverings will be encouraged for anyone on campus, when in the presence of others. Including for students, faculty, staff, vendors, and visitors.
The plans says one cloth face covering will be provided to all employees and students. And that disposable masks and face coverings will be available for purchase in the university bookstore and in vending machines on campus.
Tuesday’s meeting comes as cases across the state have topped 100,000, so we could see some of the ideas outlined in these plans change. Count on Fox 4 to let you know what comes out of the meeting.
