New Coronavirus: Manatee Schools Monitoring Developments

BRADENTON, FL — The School District of Manatee County is monitoring developments with respect to the new coronavirus, but has not yet announced any specific actions to protect students and faculty or deal with a possible outbreak.

"At this point we are working very closely with the Florida Health Department here in Manatee County," district spokesman Michael Barber told Patch Wednesday.

Barber said state health officials are urging people to monitor developments on the state's COVID-19 web page.

In Miami, the nation's fourth largest school district, Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho announced Wednesday the district is halting overseas school trips, placing hand sanitizers on buses, making counseling services available to children with anxiety and changing procedures for new students amid growing concerns over the spread of the illness.

"We are monitoring what ... is taking place and the district leadership team is discussing preparations in consultation with the Health Department and Manatee County Emergency Management," Barber added.