Dear Pinellas County Schools students,
families, and staff,
We know this year has been unique, and
everyone is ready to enjoy their Thanksgiving break with family and friends.
Pinellas County residents had been doing a
great job slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community, and our positivity
rate had been under 5% for much of the summer and early fall. However,
over the last few weeks, we have seen case counts and positivity rates rise
both locally and around the country.
We know that COVID fatigue is real, but we
ask you to continue to take steps to keep your family and community healthy
throughout the Thanksgiving break.
- Please
continue to practice social distancing.
- Avoid
congregating in large groups, even with family and friends who are not a
part of your daily contact group.
- Plan outdoor
activities.
- Use face
coverings and keep hand sanitizer handy for you and your family.
- And if you or someone in your
household feels ill, please stay home.
As a
reminder, COVID-19 symptoms include fever, new or persistent cough, loss of taste
or smell, headache, sore throat, fatigue or stomach issues.
We sincerely appreciate your continued
diligence when it comes to the health of our students and staff. What
happens in our community, happens in our schools, and we need everyone to do
their part so we can keep our schools open and operating.
If we all take the proper precautions, we
will have a healthy holiday season and continue to have a successful school
year.
Thank you.
Sara O'Toole, R.N.
Managing Officer, School Health Services
Pinellas County Schools
