How Orange County Public Schools will conduct emergency drills amid pandemic

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools said it has a plan for socially distanced school emergency drills.

As we know, pandemic or not, the state requires schools to conduct emergency drills for active shooter, fire, or severe weather situations.

The district has to keep up with the plan even during a pandemic.

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Channel 9′s Sarahbeth Ackerman was told physical distancing will be maintained whenever practical and masks will be required by all staff and students, unless they are medically exempt.

The plan also says in part “in the event of an actual active assailant, fire or severe weather incident, staff will take necessary action to protect students from the threat without regard for social distancing.”

It continues by saying “the immediate danger posed by such threats far outweighs the risk of COVID-19 exposure.”

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Another popular question was about how recess will play out.

According to the OCPS health and safety guide, it encourages staggering on the playground to avoid large gatherings.

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Students are required to wear a face mask on the playground if 6 feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.

Cox Media Group