17 Florida school district employees have died from COVID-19 since the school year began in August
CBSN
Seventeen employees of Florida's Polk County Public Schools have died from COVID-19 since the school year began on August 10, a district spokesperson confirmed to CBS News.
Five of those who have died were sick before the school year began and had not returned to campus to work this school year, Jason Geary, director of communications for Polk County Public Schools said. Twelve employees, however, were "actively working" before they became ill.
"The pandemic continues to severely impact our community, and many public servants — including educators, healthcare staff, rescue workers and law enforcement officers — are experiencing tragic losses," he said. "Every death is a devastating blow to our community and reinforces the need for all people to continue taking precautions to reduce the spread of illness."
