Marion County Public Schools saw the fewest number of COVID-19 cases during the last week of school (November 13 to November 19), continuing a downward trend.
The new COVID-19 report was released Monday and shows that during the last week of school, there were 15 positive cases reported across the county. Of those cases, 13 were students and 2 were employees.
The number of positive cases has trended downward in recent weeks. Since the middle of October, the number of positive COVID-19 cases each week has remained below 20.
Earlier this month, the Florida Department of Health announced that the vaccine is now available for children between the ages of 5 to 11.
Schools reported 67 quarantines by students and employees last week, which is a decrease of more than 60% from the week prior (November 6 to November 12). Back in September, the Florida Department of Education issued an order that grants parents discretion in quarantining child students who have been exposed to COVID-19.
The current report shows that at least 12 schools and district departments reported positive cases over the week, including six elementary schools, four high schools, and two middle schools.
Marion County Public Schools announced last month that face coverings are now optional in all of the county’s public schools.