Around 140 school nurses and health technicians  are set to be furloughed in Palm Beach County in the the coming weeks.

The decision was made as result of last week’s decision to start the 2020-2021 school year with virtual learning, according to an announcement by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County.

The Director of Community Engagement Robin Kish, made the announcement on Monday saying that those effected by the decision will be notified by Friday and the furloughs will begin on August 3rd.

Furloughed nurses will still have the ability to collect accrued sick and vacation time and to continue contributing towards their health benefits until they can return to work.

Kish also reported that 60 nurses with seniority were given the options of voluntarily vacating their positions and to receive severance pay.

Once schools reopen, the health care district plans to restaff the 170 public schools with full-time registered nurses.