Electronic Whistles Protect Masked School Crossing Guards Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

School crossing guards in Florida are using new electronic whistles to maintain safety and minimize the spread of COVID-19 at the same time.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office purchased the handheld devices to give the county's 369 crossing guards the ability to alert drivers in a school zone without having to remove their masks to blow a whistle.

"Our crossing guards provide an indispensable service to our children and their parents," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "In turn, we want to do everything we can to protect their health."

The devices produce the same sounds as a traditional whistle with the touch of a button, just amplified.

"I think it will garnish anyone's attention, even if some of those drivers who like to keep their radios maybe a little higher than normal," Chronister said.

Crossing guard Shawny Thomas, who became a crossing guard last year, says she likes the new tool.

"I think they will be a much easier way, so we will not have to remove our face coverings," she told WFLA.

The sheriff's office purchased 400 of the Windsor electronic whistles at a cost of $6,200.