OKEECHOBEE — Okeechobee County schools continue to enforce health and safety precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

According to a Nov. 15 press release from the school district, 32 Yearling Middle School students, who may have been exposed to two YMS students who tested positive for COVID-19, have been excluded from in-person classes at YMS for 14 days and will transition to online learning from home instead. The COVID-19 positive students from YMS were last on campus on Nov. 6.

In addition, eight South Elementary School students and one staff member were excluded from that school for 14 days because they may have been exposed to a student who tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last on campus on Nov. 10.

The health department has contacted the families of those who may have been exposed to the COVID-19 positive students.

The schools have taken the necessary steps to sanitize any areas that may have been compromised, as outlined in the school district’s reopening plan. The district continues to adhere to CDC guidelines, which include the use face coverings, maintaining social distancing whenever possible and checking the temperature of everyone who arrives on campus.

School officials encourage everyone to be observant of symptoms that could develop within the next 14 days and to seek advice on testing from a medical professional or be tested immediately if symptoms arise.

All students and staff must remain home while awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test. It is very important that any student or staff member who takes a COVID-19 test immediately notify the Human Resources Department at 863-462-5000, ext. 1022.