Governor Scott Discusses Zika Preparedness With Florida Education Leaders
August 8, 2016
Governor’s Press Office
850-717-9282
media@eog.myflorida.com
Governor Scott Discusses Zika Preparedness With Florida Education Leaders
St. Augustine, Fla. – Today, Governor Scott held a roundtable on Zika preparedness in St. Johns County and met with members of Florida’s K-12 public school system, the Florida College System and the State University System of Florida to discuss what actions they are taking at their schools and campuses to prevent the spread of the Zika virus. Earlier today, Governor Scott directed DOH and Florida education leaders to partner together to provide critical Zika prevention guidance and resources to students, parents, educators and district leaders across the state. View the original announcement.
Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “Students, staff members and visitors will soon be filling Florida’s academic institutions, and it is vital that they are aware of simple strategies that prevent the spread of Zika. I encourage all of our state’s district superintendents and college and university presidents to take full advantage of the resources available through the Florida Department of Health to ensure all of our students have safe education environments.”
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip said, “As State Surgeon General, I want to work hand-in-hand with Florida’s schools to keep students safe from emerging public health threats. Many children don’t know mosquitoes not only make them itch, but can carry diseases like Zika fever. The Florida Department of Health is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Education to share resources and information on mosquito bite prevention that is tailored to each age group, such as our Spill the Water! campaign material, and help teachers bring these important health messages into their classroom.”
State University System of Florida Chancellor Marshall Criser III said, “As Florida universities begin to welcome students back for the start of the fall semester, we are fully committed to doing all we can to protect our campuses and our students. The Board of Governors is working closely with DOH and DOE to educate our faculty and students in how to protect themselves and combat the spread of the Zika virus. I appreciate Governor Scott for working with education leaders across Florida in order to keep our state universities safe.”
Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega said, "The Florida College System and its 28 colleges have a long history of working with local leaders and organizations that work to keep our communities are safe. As we prepare for the start of the fall semester, we will continue diligently monitoring the Zika virus and help ensure our colleges have the resources necessary to keep and communities informed."
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