Though we are experiencing an unprecedented global crisis that threatens our health, our economy and our livelihoods, I know many of you are celebrating your faith during this time. With Passover upon us, and Easter tomorrow, this is a special time. Many of us find solace in our faith and healing from God during these difficult times. While the celebrations may look a little different than usual, I hope these milestones are more meaningful to you than ever. This weekend, my family will spend time together, enjoy meals together and share our blessings with one another….all by Zoom….(if we can figure out how it works). While we are not together physically, we will break bread over the internet. And if you and your loved ones cannot be together, I hope you are able to do the same. Happy Passover and a Blessed Easter to all of you this weekend. Visit My New Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage for News and Resources As a reminder, I have compiled all of the resources previously shared in these newsletters on my website. Visit kathleenpassidomo.com for news, resources and updates on COVID-19 and our state's efforts to support you and your families during this pandemic. I will continue to share the most recent updates with you in these newsletters. Positive Cases of COVID-19 in Florida Over 14,000 & 1 Million Worldwide As of Friday evening, there are 17,968 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in the state of Florida, including 327 in Collier County, 572 in Lee County and 15 in Hendry County. There are now over 491,358 cases across the United States and more than 1.6 million worldwide. Here are additional resources from the state and federal level:
If you are experiencing symptoms, or have traveled internationally or to a heavily-infected area recently, please contact your local County Health Department. Click the button below to view Florida Health's Data and Surveillance Dashboard for Florida-specific data including County-by-County cases. The department has added new features to its dashboard tool, including the ability to see the number of cases in each individual zip code in Florida. Florida's Mitigation Efforts Since April 8, approximately 2,277 Florida National Guardsmen are currently deployed to support Florida’s response to COVID-19. The Florida National Guard continues to support the state's COVID-19 response through operational support of Community Based Testing Sites (CBTS), augmentation to airport screening measures, statewide logistics support, coordination, planning and operational mission sets. As of Friday, April 10, almost 163,000 tests have been administered in Florida, which is the third-most in the United States. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) conducted the largest supply shipment mission in our state’s history on Thursday, April 9. The shipment included 2 million masks, 500,000 shoe covers, 100,000 gowns, 300,000 face shields, 350,000 gloves and over 50,000 containers of hand sanitizer. Community-Based Testing Sites Transition The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worked with state and local partners to establish Community-Based Testing Sites (CBTS) in CDC-prioritized locations across the country. The CBTS model has been a profound success, screening over 84,800 individuals; testing over 77,000 individuals, and having a COVID positive rate of approximately 20% - meaning that the CBTS are testing the right individuals at the right time. Since the onset, there have been technological advances, such as the validation of nasal self-swabbing, which has minimized the need for trained health professionals and personal protective equipment. As a result of these advances, many states have indicated that they want to fully transition the CBTS to state control, allowing more flexibility in testing and reporting. Currently, the federal CBTS Task Force is working with states to clarify whether sites want to continue as they are now, or transition to full state control. Under state control, CBTS sites would still receive technical assistance from the federal government and be able to request supplies through the normal FEMA systems. Click the link below for more information on FEMA's transition plan and responsibilities. Reimbursement Under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program States may also seek reimbursement for eligible expenses associated with running their sites through FEMA’s Public Assistance program. In general, activities local and state governments are conducting at CBTS are eligible for reimbursement under the Public Assistance program, subject to a cost-share. Costs should be reasonable and necessary to address the public health needs of the event and all costs incurred should be documented. More information on what COVID-19 activities are eligible for reimbursement under the Public Assistance Program can be found in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Eligible Emergency Protective Measures fact sheet and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Emergency Medical Care fact sheet. Information on how to apply is available in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Public Assistance Simplified Application fact sheet. More information on contracting and procurement can be found in the Procurement Under Grants: Under Exigent or Emergency Circumstances fact sheet. Click the button below for FEMA's full advisory on pandemic supply chain stabilization. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Launches COVID-19 Resource Webpage The USDA Rural Development office has taken a number of actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development plans to` keep customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. ICYMI: Read My Latest Guest Column Last week, I wrote an opinion piece for the Ft. Myers News-Press on our state's relentless efforts amid the COVID-19 outbreak and the dedication of our state's leaders to ensure our residents remain safe. Click the link below to read my column. Executive Order 20-97: Municipal Elections in Pasco County (April 8, 2020) The Executive Order delays elections in Pasco County, specifically the municipal elections scheduled on April 14, 2020, for the cities of San Antonio, Dade City, and Zephyrhills, at the request of Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley. A subsequent Executive Order rescheduling the elections will be issued as soon as is practicable. View Executive Order 20-97 here. Executive Order 2020-95: Documentary Stamps for SBA Loans (April 6, 2020) The Executive Order directs the Department of Revenue to issue an emergency order suspending taxation imposed under Chapter 201, Florida Statutes, for notes and other written obligations made pursuant to Title I of the CARES Act. The Executive Order allows employers to receive money from the federal CARES Act to use the full dollar amount to pay their rent and help their employees. View Executive Order 2020-95 here. Preliminary Plans Begin For Lee County Field Hospital The DEM and Florida National Guard have begun preliminary plans to place a field hospital in Lee County. According to news reports, this field hospital area would serve to prevent an overwhelming surge of hospital admissions. No coronavirus or ICU patients would be treated in the field hospital. Medical equipment for the field hospital is being dropped off at the Lee County Mosquito Control District for now until a final location for the field hospital is identified. I will keep my constituents updated on this effort in future newsletter communications. Local COVID-19 Testing Locations NCH Healthcare System, Lee Health, and Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. (FCHC) are currently offering COVID-19 testing by appointment only. For the latest updates on testing locations and how to schedule an appointment visit the links below. Immokalee PACE Center for Girls Continues to Safely Provide Support During COVID-19 While PACE centers have operated remotely since mid-March, they are prepared to continue providing all academic, counseling and social services to girls and families virtually for as long as necessary. The PACE team is working hard to stay connected with their PACE girls and minimize the impact on families most affected by the health crisis. Many of the girls depend on the breakfasts and lunches they receive at PACE as a primary source of nourishment. While PACE centers remain closed, staff and board members continue to take all precautions available and comply with all public orders and instructions while delivering food and other needed supplies to girls’ homes. FGCU Virtual Career Resources FGCU’s Career Development Services (CDS) has launched an innovative new service for students – virtual career resources. Services include:
For FGCU Students, these count for Soar in 4 requirements. Be sure to take advantage of these helpful resources, with information available on the CDS website. FGCU Virtual Commencement Plans President Martin, Provost Llorens and Vice President Cordova recently announced plans for a virtual commencement ceremony for spring graduates. The virtual commencement to take place on May 3 at 10 a.m. Graduates will be encouraged to virtually personalize their experience, invite guests and share their achievements via social media. As part of the experience, mortarboards and tassels are being mailed to each graduating student, so stay tuned for additional information. This is an interim way to acknowledge this important accomplishment. Graduates and their families will be welcomed at a future in-person FGCU commencement ceremony. FGCU Chemistry Department Makes Hand Sanitizer for Campus & Local Hospitals FGCU Students and staff with the chemistry department have been making hand sanitizer in the labs to help out local hospitals and locations on campus. The santizer is made with alcohol donated from chemistry and research facilities on campus for a formula adapted from the World Health Organization. So far, they said they’ve made more than 40 liters of hand sanitizer to be distributed on campus and in local hospitals. Florida Blue Sponsors Bilingual Emotional Support Helpline Florida Blue has provided a 24-hour, bilingual emotional support helpline to assist Floridians with any stress they may be feeling during the #COVID19 pandemic. If you're feeling stressed, contact the helpline at 833-848-1762. Florida Housing Provides Resources for Floridians Florida Housing created a COVID-19 webpage with a list of resources for various stakeholders, from renters fearing eviction to Realtors and homeowners. This information can be accessed from our homepage by clicking on the COVID-19 link at www.floridahousing.org. The State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (SHIP) is providing flexibility to address changing circumstances. Florida Housing hopes to appropriate $5 million dollars next week to participating local governments for rental assistance in their communities. Some SHIP administrators are revising their Local Housing Assistance Plans to allow for rental assistance and other needs. Under Executive Order 20-52, local governments can request waivers to certain SHIP requirements. The waivers we have considered and approved allow the local officials to:
If you need rental assistance, please contact your local SHIP office. In the link below you can find your local SHIP administrator online. Florida Housing has strongly discouraged property owners from increasing rental rates at this time. Florida Housing does not establish median incomes, income limits, or rental rates for any development. Median family income amounts and income limits are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and published once during each federal fiscal year, typically during the second calendar quarter. HUD recently released the 2020 limits. Rent limits are posted on the Florida Housing website, however, are simply limits -- amounts above which an owner cannot go -- rather than a required amount that must be charged. To view affordable properties for rent, click the button below titled, 'Rental Housing Locator'. The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) Offers Consumers COVID-19 Resources FDACS has created a 'Florida Farm to You' webpage to connect Florida producers and growers with consumers and businesses to purchase Florida products. If you are a producer or grower that would like your agriculture products highlighted on this webpage, please fill out the form, here. If you know of any producers or growers that would be interested in this initiative, feel free to forward this information. FDACS has also provided a series of online COVID-19 resources to keep consumers informed, protected against scams and charity frauds and provide an opportunity to report any issues or file a complaint. Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Announces New Mobile-Friendly Site to Apply for Reemployment Assistance On Wednesday, April 8, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced a new, mobile-friendly online application for Reemployment Assistance available at www.FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication. Floridians who do not have a current open Reemployment Assistance claim should complete their application online. To utilize the user-friendly online Reemployment Assistance application or to download the paper Reemployment Assistance application, Floridians can visit www.FloridaJobs.org/COVID-19. If a Floridian chooses to submit a paper application for Reemployment Assistance benefits, they should mail their application to DEO, and a representative will call when their application is processed. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program website is now up and running. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program. Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020 Click the button below to learn more about the SBA Paycheck Protection Program. CARES Act Offering Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Individuals who are self-employed, independent contractors, and nonprofit employees, those that are otherwise ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits and those that have exhausted state and federal benefits may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. As federal guidance is still in development, individuals are encouraged to apply for benefits from DEO – to see if the individual is eligible for a regular claim and to be positioned to receive PUA benefits, if eligible. DEO suggests that after the individual submits a claim, he or she should continue to check the CONNECT account for updates on what additional information is needed. DEO is implementing federal guidance for the program that was released on April 5 and taking the necessary steps to facilitate state participation in the program. Florida's Chief Financial Officer Issues COVID-19 Directives Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has issued a series of directives to ensure that the Department of Financial Services remains invested in Floridians. The Division of Treasury is ready to take all necessary actions to continue ensuring appropriate liquidity exists so necessary payments can be made from state government to our citizens, businesses and local governments. Below are links to the five directives CFO Patronis has issued related to COVID-19:
If you have any questions, you may contact the CFO's office at (850) 413-2850. If you have questions regarding insurance and need assistance, please dial: 1-877-MY-FL-CFO. You may visit the CFO's website at the link below. Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) launches Project VITAL (Virtual Inclusive Technology for All) to Connect Florida Seniors to Their Families The DOEA recently announced the launch of Project: VITAL (Virtual Inclusive Technology for All), which utilizes virtual technology to relieve the difficult symptoms of social isolation for residents in Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) and nursing homes. The DOEA is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association and other industry leaders to distribute tablets statewide to residents in order to bring families together virtually and help mitigate feelings of isolation. Project VITAL was created under guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding infection control and prevention of COVID-19 to nursing homes and facilities for the health and safety of all residents. During the initial pilot phase, project leaders will work with 150 care communities and supply two tablets per community along with virtual training on how to use the equipment, platform, and applications as well as proper sanitization of each tablet from resident to resident. Options include telephone calls, video chats, or even emails. Families are advised to check with the facility regarding their procedures for managing COVID-19 risk. At this time, it is advised to ensure that your facility has your emergency contact information as well as backup information of another family member or friend. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Announces Personal Care Attendant Program The Florida AHCA recently launched a program to allow personal care attendants to temporarily perform additional duties. This program will provide nursing homes with an avenue to hire Floridians currently out of work to fill staffing shortages. The Personal Care Attendant Program provides an 8-hour training of required skills to assist in direct care which is then supported with continued on-the-job training supervised by nursing staff. AHCA encourages facilities to provide additional educational training so personal care attendants who wish to seek a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant can obtain needed competency to do so. Job listings can be found at the link below or directly from nursing homes across the state. Florida's K-12 Education Legislative Update There has been an ongoing discussion on whether K-12 schools will reopen this year. Governor Ron DeSantis said there has been no decision made beyond the current May 1 expiration of his executive order. He also allowed consideration that schools could reopen in parts of Florida lesser affected by COVID-19, mostly in the rural and panhandle areas. The Governor moderated a roundtable discussion on K-12 education that included the CEO of Florida Virtual School, Pinellas County Superintendent Mike Grego, a principal and teacher of a Pinellas school, a Seminole County elementary teacher and an Alachua County parent. The discussion focused on distance learning activities in Florida's schools with some examples being cited. Grego noted high levels of student participation in Florida schools (Supt. Kam Patton reports 98.9% in Collier County). Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, K-12 Chancellor Jacob Oliva and student services director Andrew Weatherill highlighted other issues including counseling, webinar trainings and the waiver of teacher certification fees and more. To watch the full roundtable discussion, visit the link below. Florida Department of Education (DOE) Announces ‘Mini Grants’ to Support Distance Learning Efforts The Florida DOE and the Florida Education Foundation (FEF) recently announced the availability of mini-grants to individual schools related to distance learning innovation. The FEF aims to support Florida’s teachers, learners, and leaders as they navigate the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and implement Instructional Continuity Plans for Distance Learning. With the help of several generous partners, FEF is providing an opportunity for school districts, traditional public schools, public charter schools, and non-profits to apply for innovation mini-grants up to $5,000 to support Distance Learning through innovative initiatives and strategies. You can contact the Florida Education Foundation at (850) 245-0764 or FEF@fldoe.org. Click the link below to view eligibility and program criteria and deadlines. Federal & State COVID-19 News 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) Florida Health COVID-19 Data & Surveillance Dashboard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
White House National Updates World Health Organization (WHO) Florida Department of Health
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:
Please note the call center is available 24/7.
Local County Health Department Offices Collier County
Hendry County
Lee County
Emergency
I hope you find this platform agreeable for comprehensive news updates and state resources. As you remain "safer-at-home", I ask that you continue to follow social distancing guidance to keep you and your family safe during this time. I will keep my constituents updated as we continue to learn more. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of assistance Kathleen C. Passidomo Senate Majority Leader Naples Office: 3299 East Tamiami Trail LaBelle Office: 25 East Hickpochee Avenue Tallahassee Office: 330 Senate Office Building Not paid for at taxpayer expense. |