FLEMING ISLAND – The Clay County School District has a plan for the ongoing coronavirus, but it’s currently not a threat for students in school.

Recently-appointed interim superintendent David Broskie spoke March 5 about the virus spreading and how schools are preparing for its possible arrival in Northeast Florida during his first school board meeting.

Unsurprisingly, he said the main thing is stressing the importance of properly washing hands and keeping things sanitary.

“Some of the things that we’re doing is, of course because it’s a flu-like [virus], is increasing our sanitation and cleaning,” Broskie said. “We’re increasing the amount of cleaning we do for what we call frequently-touched surfaces so door knobs, counters and desks. The biggest thing that we should all do is wash our hands and follow typical flu procedures.”

Broskie said he had a recent conference call with Gov. Ron DeSantis and other superintendents to discuss what the state’s plan of action. He also met with principals in Clay County to pass along the information.

The county also has created a rapid response plan if the virus is discovered in a county school, Broskie said, explaining the county has a team to handle the situation.

Broskie said the county is currently looking at student and employee travel, including school-sponsored field trips. School trips planned for high-risk areas will not be allowed, he said.

“We won’t be accepting [plans or requests] for new out-of-country travel,” Broskie said. “New in-state travel will also be reviewed on a state-by-state basis. There’s currently not a case in Clay County, but I think it’s safe to say that there’s a possibility that there could be.

“Now, that does not automatically mean that we would jump to the closing of schools. We would get together with our partners, emergency management and the health department to make those kinds of determinations, so right now, the best advice we can give to [people] is if you’re sick, stay home.”

Broskie said parents should avoid giving their children medicine before sending them to school. If they have a fever or are showing flu-like symptoms, keep them at home, he said.

Nurses at schools are currently being coached on how to handle coronavirus, and teachers have been asked to keep an eye out for symptoms.

“I’m very impressed with the county and county-level support already,” Broskie said. “One of the reasons I love Clay County is how well we all work together as a team...and I think we’re prepared for this.”