BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2021 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — More than a full week of FSA testing in the Palm Beach County School District has brought an increase in COVID-19 cases. Thousands of children stopped — or are stopping — distance learning for several days as they are required to return to “brick and mortar” buildings for testing mandated by the State of Florida.
Since testing started, at least 118 positive COVID cases have been logged among students and employees. While the school district is attempting to keep all students socially distanced, the increase of tens of thousands of students — even spread out over several weeks — is apparently creating insurmountable challenges.
At least 3,293 COVID-19 cases have been recorded since late September, with 1,336 employees and 1,957 students testing positive.
Notable, the majority of cases have been logged since the end of winter break. At least 2,025 cases have been recorded in the Palm Beach County School District since school ended for the calendar year in late December.
While stating the test is “mandated,” the State of Florida last week announced that educators may use other factors in determining whethe students are eligible for graduation.
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