In a matter of hours, schools across Central Florida will open their doors and hundreds of thousands of students will return to class

Tianna Holmes is one of many parents making sure her daughter has all she needs.

"She's anxious. She's ready to go back and get started," Holmes said.

Holmes, like many parents, is also anxious over the coronavirus.

"My daughter, she's going to wear her mask regardless, and I want her to as well," Holmes said.

Seminole and Orange County school districts are requiring masks though they have given parents the option to opt out.

Orange County Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins says any parents who don't want their kids wearing masks can opt out with a note.

Employees cannot opt out of the mask rule, which will remain in place in both districts for at least the first month.

"And before the 30 days are up, we will make a determination on how to proceed," Jenkins said.

Orange County has already logged over 150 confirmed cases throughout the district. The majority of cases are employees.

The number of cases is a 42% spike since last week.

"All the pediatric hospitals have reported some in cases of COVID, usually with underlying disease,” Seminole County Emergency Medical Director Dr. Todd Husty said.

Husty says transmission is inescapable when starting school amid a surge.