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New benefit to prevent DCPS teachers, employees from footing bill for COVID-19 treatment costs

The new agreement means employees will not be responsible for out-of-pocket costs associated with a COVID-19 diagnosis.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Under a new agreement announced Tuesday afternoon, Duval County Public Schools teachers and employees will not be on the hook for out-of-pocket costs if they're diagnosed with COVID-19.

DCPS said the agreement involved Duval Teachers United, DCPS and five other employee representative groups. The agreement is meant to improve the district's responsiveness to potential COVID-19 cases in schools.

DTU, the teachers' union, initially proposed the plan. The agreement also authorizes the purchase and use of COVID-19 rapid tests, so that district administration can develop procedures for select employee testing within a 24-hour turnaround.

That rapid testing will allow school health personnel to more quickly identify if an employee is infected, then take appropriate measures to prevent he virus from spreading and minimize any school operations impacts, DCPS said.

Teacher Mark Thompson has mixed feelings. He's a supporter of starting the year virtually for every student. 

"I appreciate it but it still doesn't feel like a lot when there is an alternative that is safer," Thompson said.

The agreement will go to the Duval County School Board for final approval at its September meeting.

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