Charlotte County Public Schools follows protocols to inform parents about COVID-19 exposures

Reporter: Erika Jackson Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Credit: WINK News.

As cases surge nationwide, schools are dealing with exposures to the coronavirus.

Charlotte County Public Schools walked us through its current protocols for when someone is exposed.

Parents of students at Punta Gorda Middle School received a dozen calls this school year about COVID-19 exposures at school.

“When I get these messages, I’m not very concerned about it because I’ve gotten one kid in the school with approximately 1,000 students,” Joseph Williams said.

Williams got the latest call last Wednesday. Friday, he got worried when his daughter told him about the changes in her day.

“Their class has been moved to the library, and her computer classroom was being disinfected,” Williams said. “I would expect, if my child was in direct contact with the positive case though, that they would let me know.”

Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County told us that’s exactly what will happen.If there’s a COVID-19 case, the entire school gets a phone call. If a parent’s child is directly exposed, they will get a letter too.

“We always stand down to the Charlotte County health department and the Centers for Disease Control and follow their leads,” said Michael Riley, the CCPS school and community liaison.

Riley said CCPS deep cleans classrooms regularly with or without a virus case.

Williams feared the worst after a phone call. Now, he knows to look for a letter. It’s a simple understanding he thinks will lessen stress and maybe even save lives.

“Potentially, I believe it could,” Williams said.

CCPS encourages parents to contact them with any COVID-19-related concerns.

MORE: Charlotte County Public School – Coronavirus Information 

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