Gov. DeSantis says reopening schools brings a ‘renewed sense of normalcy'

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida schools reopening for in-person instruction brings a “renewed sense of normalcy” to families.

“I want to personally thank all of our teachers and administrators who have worked so hard to provide these opportunities for our kids,” Gov. DeSantis said.

The past several weeks the Florida Department of Education has approved reopening plans from districts across the state.

Gov. DeSantis mentioned the advantages of in-person instruction.

“They [students] are in a safe environment where they can have the connection with teachers that distance learning cannot provide,” Gov. DeSantis said.

More than 550,000 people have tested positive for the virus, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The DOH reports more than 8,800 people have died from coronavirus in the state and there have been 31,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.

On Wednesday the DOH reported 8,109 new cases of the virus. Health officials said the number passed the 8,000 mark due to a backlog of testing data being submitted.

“Turns out it was a data dump from June,” he said.

Gov. DeSantis said he is happy school districts in Florida offered parents a choice on how their child will go to class this year.

“To our parents, you deserve the choice of in-person instruction or distance learning for your kids,” he said.

The governor reminded students they are the future of Florida.

“We’re here for you, we want you to learn,” Gov. DeSantis said.