ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orange County teacher’s union says there are concerns about kids heading back to the classroom next week, with the spiking number of COVID-19 cases in Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Friday banning school districts from imposing mask mandates.
READ: Gov. DeSantis signs executive order against rules to make children wear masks in schools
Officials with the teacher’s union said the district is following the governor’s orders, meaning kids are all going to be back in the classroom in one week with masks not required.
A union representative said with the number of cases rising, especially in kids 12 and under who are not eligible for the vaccine, many parents and teachers are uneasy.
WATCH: Parents take over Brevard County Schools meeting, board members escorted out
The union representative said there isn’t a plan in place for kids or staff members who contract COVID-19. She believes anyone who needs to be out sick will have to treat it as a normal pre-pandemic sick day with no virtual learning.
Many teachers said last year, being in the classroom during the pandemic was a challenge, and many believe this school year is going to be even tougher.
READ: Florida breaks single-day record for state with more than 21,000 new COVID-19 cases
Channel 9 was also told that the district made changes to their 80-page COVID-19 manual when it comes to cleaning, sanitizing and more.
See more in the video above.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
©2021 Cox Media Group
