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More Than 190 Orange County Schools Employees Test Positive for Coronavirus

Photo: Kelly Sikkema
Photo: Kelly Sikkema

Since June 1, more than 190 Orange County Public Schools employees have tested positive for COVID-19. 

The news comes as brick-and-mortar schools reopen Friday.


Leon County Judge Charles Dodson ordered OCPS to release the list of staff member cases as part of a teacher’s union led lawsuit against the state.

The list reveals 192 employees from teachers to custodians became ill with coronavirus between June 1 and August 19. 

In a statement, OCPS said the positivity rate among employees had been 4.2 percent over the two and a half month period. 

Earlier in the week, Superintendent Barbara Jenkins said that it was unrealistic to expect there to be no COVID-19 cases when schools reopen. 

Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran ordered schools to restart in-person instruction by the end of August.

OCPS schools will reopen tomorrow with required face masks, social distancing in classrooms and buses and grab-and-go meals in cafeterias.

Danielle Prieur covers education in Central Florida.