A third coronavirus case in Hillsborough County was identified as presumptively positive by the Florida Department of Health today. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the infected person is the sister of a Hillsborough woman whose case was confirmed by the CDC yesterday and who had also traveled to an afflicted area of northern Italy. Per the Florida Department of Health, there are currently 16 coronavirus tests pending results and 247 people being monitored throughout the state.

Sarasota County Schools and the School District of Manatee County announced in separate social media posts that they are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the wake of a confirmed case of coronavirus in Manatee County, and that they will remain open unless otherwise directed by state and local health departments.

In its post, Sarasota County Schools said that schools have already been undergoing enhanced cleaning because of the existing cold and flu season, but have increased cleaning and disinfecting measures.

"At this time there is no need for alarm, no need to cancel travel plans or community gatherings," added Manatee County public safety director Jacob Saur. "The risk of transmitting the coronavirus for Manatee County residents remains low. This is a fluid event, and as it progresses information and procedures will change. The community and business owners should speak with their employees about staying home when sick."

Similar to Sarasota County, the School District of Manatee is implementing enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures in schools, including providing additional access to disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizers, stocking restrooms with soap and paper towels, disinfecting all restrooms and break rooms daily, and disinfecting all common touch areas such as copiers, door handles, light switches, faucets and water fountains each day. 

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.