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Osceola County School District
All Central Florida school superintendents continue to carefully monitor the COVID-19 situation.
Following a call with the Florida commissioner of education on Tuesday and based on his strong recommendations, all student field trips involving air travel will be suspended immediately through the end of the current school year.
District and school staff members will work with parents and travel companies on appropriate cancellation arrangements.
“While we have been advised by experts that the risk to young people remains low, we encourage everyone to continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and to follow healthy habits. Hand washing with soap and water remains the best prevention,” an Osceola County School District press release stated.
Gov. DeSantis declares public health emergency
On March 1, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-51, which directed Surgeon General Rivkees to declare a public health emergency to better equip Florida with the resources needed to handle this public health threat.
“The state of Florida is fully committed to leveraging all resources to prepare for and respond to COVID-19. Our state agencies and personnel have been monitoring COVID-1 9 since January and are focused on containment and prevention:’ said DeSantis. “Dr. Rivkees, along with his staff of public health experts, is working with our federal partners at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in addition to our partners and stakeholders across the state.’’
Gov. DeSantis’ actions
• Executive Order 20-51 directing Surgeon General Rivkees to declare a Public Health Emergency to better equip our state with the resources needed to handle COVID-19.
• Requested funding from the state legislature and federal government to ensure the state has the means to test for COVID-19 as quickly as possible and ability to effectively communicate with the public about how to stay healthy
• Requesting $25 million from the Florida Legislature to be appropriated in this current year for the Florida Department of Health to be used immediately to assist with the COVID-19 response.
• with Vice President Mike Pence along with Lieutenant Governor Nunez, Surgeon General Rivkees, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams and Assistant Surgeon General Admiral Stephen Redd in Palm Beach to discuss efforts.
• Conducted meeting with agency heads from the Department of Health, Department of Elder Affairs, Agency for Health Care Administration, Department of Education, Department of Children and Families, Division of Emergency Management and Department of Corrections to discuss coordinated respond
• Held press conferences in Tampa and Miami with the lieutenant governor, Surgeon General Rivkees and Deputy Secretary of Health Dr. Shamarial Roberson to provide an update and answer questions from the media.
• Toured the Florida Department of Health Public Laboratory in Tampa with the lieutenant governor, state surgeon general, Dr. Roberson and Senator Janet Cruz.
• Visited the Department of Health in Orange County and Collier County to meet with local public health leaders to discuss preparedness.
• Participated in a conference call with Vice President Pence and other governors regarding COVID-19.
• Hosted a conference call with nursing home providers and the Florida Medical Association to provide guidance regarding COVID-19.
• Provided guidance to superintendents on a conference call with the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.
• Participated on a call with the lieutenant governor, Secretary Thibault and the Department of Transportation to advise seaports and airports regarding COVID-19.
