Possible case of COVID-19 shuts down Lakewood Ranch High School

While others returned to work on Monday, employees of Lakewood Ranch High School were directed to work from home this week, after someone with possible COVID-19 was on the campus, according to the school district.

The School District of Manatee County sent a message to employees on Sunday night, followed by another message to families on Monday morning. The case was unconfirmed at the time, according to both messages, but it seems there was a development.

“I’ve heard from an internal source that it was confirmed, but I urge you strongly to get final confirmation from the Florida Department of Health,” said Mike Barber, the district spokesman, in an interview on Monday afternoon.

Christopher Tittel, spokesman for the health department in Manatee County, declined to provide an answer.

“We can’t comment regarding specific epidemiological investigations,” he said.

On Monday morning, the state announced two more positive cases of COVID-19 in Manatee County. A 64-year-old woman and a 75-year-old woman tested positive on Sunday.

Manatee County students are currently on an extended break, and schools throughout Florida will remain closed until April 15. Many teachers and district employees returned to work on Monday, limiting themselves to groups of 10 or less, to prepare for the start of virtual instruction next week.

The staff at Lakewood Ranch High was asked to work from home, after the district learned of a person “who may have contracted” the virus and been on campus.

In his message to employees, Principal Dustin Dahlquist said the person “has not had contact with the school in at least 11 days,” but he stopped short of naming the person’s relationship with Lakewood Ranch High.

If the person were on campus 11 days ago, before the start of spring break, he or she may have been in direct contact with students and staff.

Barber said the district would stay in touch with health officials and provide updates to the community when available. Manatee learned about the possible case on Sunday, and if the case is confirmed, the health department will investigate and reach out to the affected people, he continued.

“In the meantime, if you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call the Florida Department of Health or a medical provider,” the district said in its message to employees.

Manatee residents can reach the health department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by calling 941-242-6649. The department also has a 24-7 hotline: 866-779-6121.

Herald reporter Jessica De Leon contributed to this report.

This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 12:55 PM with the headline "Possible case of COVID-19 shuts down Lakewood Ranch High School."