Marion County Public Schools reported their fewest COVID-19 cases and quarantines last week since the school year began.
The weekly COVID-19 report released by the district shows that during the week from Saturday, September 25 to Friday, October 1, 86 positive cases were reported across the county. That number represents a stark decrease since the first weeks of school, when thousands of students and employees were testing positive and quarantining.
Schools reported 283 quarantines by students and employees last week, just one week after the Florida Department of Education issued an order that grants parents discretion in quarantining child students who have been exposed to COVID-19.Â
In recent weeks, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases reported has steadily declined.
During the first week of September, over 500 students and employees tested positive. During subsequent weeks in September, that total was nearly cut in half twice, falling to 256 cases three weeks ago, and 157 cases two weeks ago.
Currently, 9,476 students, or around 22%, have opted out of wearing face coverings.
Around 33 departments and schools reported positive cases during the week, including 15 elementary schools.