Miami-Dade County Public Schools discusses coronavirus plans during media conference

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – South Florida school districts are preparing for all situations as fears and concerns over coronavirus grow.

Tuesday afternoon, Miami-Dade County Public Schools held a press conference to discuss concerns regarding COVID-19 and plans for educating students in the event schools are closed.

Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told media members that there have been no cases of coronavirus at the district level, but he did outline new travel regulations.

“Travel outside of the State of Florida via air, to attend student events, field trips, or, in the case of employees, professional association conferences where we expect large groups of individuals, are cancelled,” Carvalho said. “For in-county, as well as in-state activities, those are analyzed on a basis of risk assessment, on a case-by-case basis.”

Carvalho also said that, for now, extracurricular activities will continue as normal.

Local 10 News obtained a letter sent home with students by the school board in Miami-Dade, asking parents if they want to check out a district issued mobile device, in the case schools are closed and they need to utilize online learning programs because of coronavirus.

The letter read, in part:

“…we realize that some students may not have access at home to a personal or district issued device…therefore, part of the district’s planning efforts is to determine how many of our students need technology at home in order for instruction to continue.”

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The school district is partially opening up its command center, as it does during time of potential hurricane impact on the county.

Additionally, MDCPS is also opening up a hotline on Wednesday for parents who are looking for updated information regarding the district and COVID-19. That number is 305-995-3000.

Carvalho said that a massive shutdown of schools is highly unlikely.