The Levy County School Board has adopted a back-to-school Covid-19 plan. Board members are Ashley Clemenzi, Cameron Asbell, Chris Cowart, Paige Brookins and Brad Etheridge with Superintendent Jeff Edison on the right. File Photo

By Terry Witt- Spotlight Senior Reporter

            As it stands now, Levy County public schools are scheduled to reopen on Aug. 10.

            In a typical year, that would barely raise an eyebrow.

            But in a year when the coronavirus shut down schools statewide for the final two months of the previous school year, it could be exciting news.

            School Superintendent Jeff Edison said the Aug. 10 opening date is firm unless something happens between now and then.

            The district won’t be requiring students and faculty to wear sanitary masks. The masks can be worn voluntarily.

            Regular hand washing upon entering the school and during periods when moving between locations in the schools will be encouraged and taught.

            Hand sanitizing stations will be available in high traffic areas such as the gymnasiums, auditoriums, media centers, and playgrounds.

            Students will be asked not to share personal items such as those used for personal hygiene, school supplies, food or drink. Parents are encouraged to purchase school supplies well in advance of the school opening because school supplies may be in short supply right before school opens.

            School buildings will be cleaned daily. High traffic areas will be cleaned throughout the school day.

            The back-to-school COVID-19 plan is posted on the Levy County School District Facebook Page with three notes at the top under the heading – Did you know?

• Children are more likely to have serious life threatening complications from seasonal flu than they can from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
• One person in Florida, age 25 or younger, has died from COVID-19.
• As of May 6, ten children ages 14 and younger have died from COVID-19 nation-wide, and 48 people between the ages of 15-24 have died from COVID-19 nationwide.

• from COVID-19 nationwide.

            If a child, faculty member or staff member observes someone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, the school nurse should be contacted. If the individual tests positive for COVID-19 the Levy County Department of Health will take steps to prevent further transmission.

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Enterprise Reporting by Terry Witt July 4, 2020; Posted July 4, 2020