Florida Department of Health Announced that the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has Confirmed Two COVID-19 Cases in Florida

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has announced that the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has confirmed two cases of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Florida.

The two individuals include a resident of Manatee County and a resident of Hillsborough County.  Both individuals are isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.

The Florida Department of Health is working closely with the patients, their close contacts and health care providers to isolate and monitor persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and implement testing of anyone who may develop COVID-19 symptoms.

In addition, the department has reported eight individual test results that are pending.  There have been 15 tests that have resulted in a negative result for coronavirus, as of March 2, 2020. 

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.  The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.  To avoid exposure, wash your hands frequently with soap and water.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you are ill, stay home from work and school. 

Despite these two cases, DOH strongly maintains the risk to Florida public remains low. 

Our State Surgeon General - Dr. Scott Rivkees: said: “This is the scenario that we prepare for every day in public health.  The Department is moving forward with the appropriate plans, and we are working directly with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local medical providers to ensure these individuals receive the proper treatment and that anyone who has come into contact with them is following the necessary protocols, limiting or stopping any further spread.  Thanks to Florida’s integrated public health system, we have been able to proactively engage and plan with our public health partners at every level, enabling us to take these important steps in a very expeditious manner.  Our epidemiological teams are among the best in the nation, and they are right now aggressively pursuing every potential lead during these critical early moments of this outbreak in Florida.”

A person who experiences a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and any other destination under CDC travel advisory should call ahead to their health care provider and local county health department (CHD) and mention their recent travel or close contact.

If a person has had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from this area or been in contact with a person with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, they should call ahead to a health care professional and the county health department.  The health care professional will work with the Department to determine if the person should be tested for COVID-19.

The full Florida DOH press release can be found here.

Visit www.FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19 to find more information and updates on COVID-19 in Florida.

Governor DeSantis Declared a State of Public Health Emergency for Florida 

Last night, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-51, declaring a public health emergency for the state of Florida following health officials learning of two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19.

The Governor is directing the State Health Officer to follow guidelines established by the CDC to establish protocols to help control the spread of COVID-19 and educate the public on prevention.  The State Health Office will continue to advise the Governor on the implementation of emergency response activities. 

Gov. Desantis additionally designated the Florida DOH as the lead state agency to coordinate emergency response activities among the various state agencies and local governments. 

“I have been working with federal partners and our Department of Health to ensure that communities are ready to handle the challenges presented by COVID-19," said Governor DeSantis.  "The dedicated professionals at our county health departments, as well as those working at local medical providers, are well equipped to address these and future cases.  State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees has taken appropriate, decisive action to help affect the best possible outcomes, and I will continue directing our state agencies to do whatever is necessary to prioritize the health and well-being of Florida residents.” 

What are the Symptoms & How Does It Spread? 

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: 

• Fever;
• Cough; and
• Shortness of breath.

Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure.  Most people
recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment.

The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.

COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes.  These droplets may land on objects and surfaces.  Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Be Prepared: Preventative Measures to Protect You & Your Family

As there is no current vaccine at this time to prevent COVID-19, the best prevention method is to avoid being exposed to the virus. 

Here are some everyday preventive actions to help impede the spread of respiratory diseases: 

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
• Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons in poor health;
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue;
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty; and
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Please note, the CDC does not recommend that asymptomatic, healthy people wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.  Facemasks should be used only by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

For more prevention and treatment tips, please visit: 

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/

Know Where to Look for News & Updates

The Florida DOH remains the best and most up-to-date resource for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in our state. 

Florida Department of Health (DOH)

• http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html

World Health Organization (WHO)

• https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/novel-coronavirus
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Spring Travel Plans?

If you or your family are planning to travel for spring break or other occasions, make sure you stay up-to-date with the CDC's travel advisories: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

The U.S. Department of State has issued a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory to China, which means that they recommend that all travel to China is canceled.

These notices will be updated as more information becomes available: https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/travel-alert-level-4-do-not-travel-to-china/

Key Contacts in Our Region

Florida Department of Health

• Phone: 850-245-4444
• Email: diseasecontrol@flhealth.gov
• Twitter: @HealthyFla

The Florida Department of Health is actively involved in enhanced surveillance for any respiratory illness that may be COVID-19.  For any questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact DOH's Call Center: 

• COVID-19 Call Center: 1-866-779-6121

Please note the call center is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Epidemiologists will follow up on any suspected cases that meet criteria for COVID-19 to arrange for testing when needed and monitor contacts of any confirmed cases, if they occur. Epidemiologic consultation is available 24/7 through your local county health departments and Bureau of Epidemiology.

• Florida Bureau of Epidemiology: 850-245-4401

Local County Health Department Offices

Collier County 

• Immokalee Office: 239-252-7300
• Naples Main Office: 239-252-8200

Hendry County

• Clewiston: 863-983-1408
• LaBelle: 863-674-4041

Lee County 

• Main Office-Michigan Clinic: 239-332-9501
• Pondella Clinic: 239-461-6100 (for appointment)
• WIC-Bonita Springs: 239-344-2000 (for appointment)
• WIC (Lehigh Acres): 239-344-2000 (for appointment)

Emergency 

• Dial 911
• Emergency Hotline: 311 or 239-252-8444 
• City of Naples Emergency Services: 239-213-4844
• American Red Cross: 239-596-6868

I hope that this information serves as a useful resource for you as you prepare and take preventive measures to remain safe and healthy.  I will continue to relay information to keep my constituents updated as significant details arise.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of assistance
 
Sincerely,

Kathleen C. Passidomo

Senate Majority Leader
State Senator, District 28

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