30 positive tests in schools last week, 354 quarantined

There were 30 positive COVID-19 tests among students and employees in the Marion County Public Schools for the week of Oct.2-8, with 354 people quarantined for having direct contact with someone who tested positive. The number of those quarantined is the most so far this school year.

Those who tested positive for COVID-19 included 23 students and seven employees at 16 schools and one administration office, said Kevin Christian, school district spokesman. That resulted in 336 students and 18 employees being quarantined by the Florida Department of Health.

The schools impacted by positive COVID-19 cases were Belleview High, Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary, Eighth Street Elementary, Fort King Middle, Harbor View Elementary, Howard Middle, Lake Weir High, Liberty Middle, Madison Street Academy, North Marion High, North Marion Middle, Ocala Springs Elementary, Saddlewood Elementary, Sunrise Elementary, Ward Highlands Elementary and West Port High.

The Transportation Department was also impacted by COVID-19.