Judge orders Orange County Public Schools must report coronavirus cases

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A judge ordered on Monday that the Orange County school district must disclose coronavirus cases within schools and other locations.

Orange County teachers and the district went head-to-head in court.

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Much different public comment than last month. You’re hearing from many parents wanting #facetoface to go on as planned, a sprinkling of parents against & teachers with #F2F concerns @WFTV #BackToSchool #BackToSchool2020 #Orlando #OrangeCounty pic.twitter.com/F8VPsfzQQx
— Cierra Putman WFTV (@CPutman_WFTV) August 17, 2020

The union is suing the district, concerned about reopening for face-to-face learning and not getting enough information about COVID-19 outbreaks and cleaning processes.

The union wants to stop face-to-face learning from going forward on Friday. They also say teachers are not getting enough information about COVID-19 outbreaks and cleaning processes.

The school board's attorney asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuit, but the judge denied the request.

READ: Orange County Public Schools approves mask policy, says distance learning is new default for students not enrolled in any option

The Orange County Teacher's Union said several of its members are scared to return to the classroom and has held protests in addition to the lawsuit.

Here’s the @OCPSnews Medical Advisory Committee recommendation in case you missed it. The committee can advise but the school board has the final say on any #BackToSchool decisions. @WFTV #orangecounty #orlando pic.twitter.com/m77IsStwMW
— Cierra Putman WFTV (@CPutman_WFTV) August 17, 2020

The union says face-to-face learning is not safe, despite steps the district is taking, including socially distancing kids when possible in the classroom or in hallways.

It is also asking for information about employees who test positive for COVID-19 and where they work.

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The union said it is not asking for private health information of individuals, arguing that other districts are already releasing information about worksites.

OCPS said it is ready for face-to-face learning.