Over 450 Employees of Florida’s Duval County Public Schools Report Need to Self-Quarantine

US travellers who were on a flight from Mexico wear face masks to protect themself against
MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images
Hannah Knudsen

Over 450 employees of Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), covering the school district in Jacksonville, Florida, have reported the need to self-quarantine, according to local media.

The development follows a recent survey asking employees to indicate their whereabouts over spring break. As such, the district has asked “any students, teachers or staff returning from foreign travel to any country or anyone who returns from a cruise, anywhere” to remain in self-isolation for two weeks, according to News4Jax.

The DCPS states on its website in a note to parents and families:

If you have traveled out of the continental United States, if you have been on a cruise, or if a member of your close family participated in any such travel, you must not return to school until you have self-isolated for 14 days and you are symptom-free.

According to Action News Jax, the employees “have been provided guidance from Dr. Diana Greene, according to the district.”

Meanwhile, the district has announced that it will provide “grab and go” school lunches for all students beginning March 17.

The news comes as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis orders schools across the state to extend their spring breaks by a week amid festering coronavirus concerns. DCPS has since extended its break through March 22:

On Monday, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced limitations to encourage social distancing. That includes the ban of alcohol sales from restaurants and bars after 8 p.m. and a numerical limit on gatherings in the establishments.

“Mayor Lenny Curry announces new limit on all restaurants and bars in Jacksonville until further notice,” the City of Jacksonville announced on Monday.

“No more than 50 people permitted in an establishment, following CDC recommendations,” the announcement continued. “Alcohol sales are also banned from midnight to 8am”:

Officials across the country have taken similar action. The governors of both Illinois and Ohio announced on Sunday a ban on restaurants and bars amid the ongoing pandemic.

Curry has also urged residents to practice “self-imposed social distancing” as an effort to curb the spread of the virus”:

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