Two more Manatee County schools report COVID-19 cases and exposures
A local middle school joined the list of Manatee County campuses with a verified COVID-19 case, while another middle school had its second case since the return of students.
In a message to families on Tuesday evening, R. Dan Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd. in Bradenton, reported “another case of COVID-19” and “direct exposures” to the infected person. The first case was reported on Monday, one day prior.
Braden River Middle School, 6215 River Club Blvd. in Bradenton, joined the list of schools with cases. In a message to employees and families on Tuesday evening, the campus reported “a case of COVID-19” and “direct exposures” to the infected person.
Much like every notification sent after the return of students, the recent messages offered no detail on the number of people exposed, making it hard to know the full impact of COVID-19 on local schools. The term “direct exposure” describes close and prolonged contact with an infected person, meaning less than six feet of separation for at least 15 minutes.
Most recently, the Bradenton Herald asked for the number of people exposed to a case at Palmetto High School, 1200 17th St. W. The request was later denied by district spokesman Mike Barber.
“We work hand-in-hand with the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County to determine what information is disseminated to the public,” he said in an email. “We are following their guidance in accordance with Florida Statute 381.0031.”
The district first notified families of the Palmetto High case on Monday. It published another statement on Tuesday evening, telling families that an “abnormal number of students” were quarantined out of “an extreme abundance of caution.”
In an interview on Tuesday afternoon, a Palmetto High student said more than 80 people were sent home after their teacher tested positive for COVID-19, while school board member Scott Hopes said the number of quarantines was more than 100.
At least 22 Manatee County schools have now reported COVID-19 cases since the start of school on Aug. 17:
Ballard Elementary School (two reports).
Tara Elementary School.
Willis Elementary School.
Williams Elementary School
Moody Elementary School.
Bayshore Elementary School.
Blackburn Elementary School.
Gullett Elementary School.
Palma Sola Elementary School (two reports).
Palmetto Elementary School (no reported exposures).
Samoset Elementary School.
W.D. Sugg Middle School (no reported exposures).
Nolan Middle School.
Braden River Middle School.
Parrish Community High School.
Manatee High School (two reports).
Palmetto High School (two reports).
Lakewood Ranch High School.
Manatee Technical College (Main Campus).
Rowlett Academy for Arts and Communication.
Lincoln Memorial Academy.
Manatee School For the Arts (no reported exposures).
As of Wednesday, it was unclear how many COVID-19 cases and direct exposures were recorded at schools or other district buildings in Manatee County. Some reported a single case while others reported “a couple of cases.”
At least two surrounding districts have launched their own dashboards to inform the public of new COVID-19 cases. On the website for Hillsborough County Public Schools, anyone can view the number of cases among employees and students at each affected school.
Polk County Public Schools publishes the number of confirmed cases and the affected schools on its website. And a spokeswoman for Sarasota County Schools said the district would soon launch a dashboard to report COVID-19 cases in its buildings.
“When that dashboard is ready, it will live on the district website,” Kelsey Whealy said in an email. “It has yet to be determined how frequently the dashboard will be updated (daily, twice a week, once a week, etc.).”
The School District of Manatee County began the school year by sharing a weekly roundup of cases with reporters. At times, Manatee denied requests for information before the scheduled update on Fridays.
More recently, the district issued daily updates to reporters who made a request each morning.
This story was originally published September 2, 2020 at 4:24 PM.