Students went back to school in the district on Tuesday for the first time in the new year.

We’ve had inquiries about keeping a child home due to increasing COVID-19 cases. While we are not encouraging parents to do so, if you choose to keep your child home, it will be excused if your child keeps up with their assignments. Reach out to the teacher for schoolwork.

— ocpsnews (@OCPSnews) January 3, 2022

As of Tuesday, there are some 9,805 cases of COVID-19 that have been reported in Orange County Public Schools. 

Those numbers include cases reported over the long winter break. 

The majority of the cases, about 8,002, were identified in K-12 students in the district, while about 1,758 employees including teachers are sick with the virus. 

The previous day on Jan. 2nd, only 28 cases had been confirmed, all in students. 

Photo: Orange County Public Schools

The district announced Monday that all adults must wear facial coverings on campus, but students are only strongly recommended to mask up. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis has strengthened his stance on banning face mask mandates in schools and workplaces after the special legislative session.

Other districts throughout the state including Miami Public Schools have followed suit, requiring all adults to mask up. 

While some private schools including in the Archdiocese of Miami will require face masks of students as well.