Florida Tops More Than 1,000 Positive Cases

As of Monday at 6:00 p.m., there are now more than 1,227 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the State of Florida, including 39 in Collier County and 30 in Lee County.  There are now over 42,817 across the United States. Governor Ron DeSantis has called for more tests to be available in more locations throughout the state. 

For Florida-specific data and updated County-by-County data, view the Department of Health’s (DOH) Data and Surveillance Dashboard here.

Here are additional resources from the state and federal level: 

• To find the most up-to-date information and guidance, you can visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage.
• For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website.
• For more information about current travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, please visit the travel advisory website.

If you are experiencing symptoms, or have traveled internationally or to a heavily-infected area recently, please contact your local  County Health Department.

COVID-19 Testing & Mitigation Efforts

Florida has partnered with private laboratories around the state to expand COVID-19 laboratory testing capacity. 

Expansion to private laboratories changes the COVID-19 testing landscape in Florida.  Private laboratories are running tests as they receive swab samples from practitioners.  Testing and reporting times vary among commercial and Department of Health (DOH) laboratories.  Demographic information may be updated during investigations.  These twice-daily reports reflect the state’s efforts to accurately and transparently share information. 

This partnership will increase the number of daily tests administered and ensures Floridians receive the critical health information they need in a timely manner.

Executive Order: Non-Emergency Medical Services Suspended

On Friday Night, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-72, regarding non-essential elective medical procedures.  All hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, office surgery centers, dental, orthodontic and endodontic offices, and other health care practitioners’ offices in the state of Florida are prohibited from providing any medically unnecessary, non-urgent or non-emergency procedure or surgery.  This prohibition is enforced so long as it does not place a patient's immediate health, safety or wellbeing at risk, or will if delayed. The delay of procedure or surgery must not contribute to the worsening of a serious or life-threatening medical condition.

Executive Order: Restaurants, Bars & Food Establishments Closed

Over the weekend, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-71, directing all restaurants and food establishments within the State of Florida to suspend on-premises food and alcohol consumption for customers.  The listed establishments may, however, operate their kitchens for the purpose of providing delivery or take-out services.  Additionally, this EO lifts the restriction that prohibits establishment from selling package sales of alcohol for delivery, take-out or consumption off-premises for restaurants complying with Executive Order 20-68, through the expiration of the state of emergency.

Restaurants are encouraged to remain open and expand take-out and delivery services.  Information is available on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website. 

DBPR differentiates between restaurants and these establishments as any licensee authorized to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises that derives more than 50 percent of its gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages shall suspend all sales of alcoholic beverages.

EO 20-71 also mandated the closure of gymnasiums and fitness centers within the State of Florida. 

Executive Order: In-Person Meeting Requirements for Local Governments Waived

Executive Order 20-69 waives in-person meeting requirements so that public officials can safely continue their duties without impediment.  Meetings can continue via Skype, Zoom and other platforms. 

Executive Order Compliance & Guidance

To assist with answering questions, the DBPR recently launched an easy-to-use form for complaints relating to EO 20-68. You may view FAQs related to restaurants, bars, and nightclubs here.

The DBPR Emergency Information Page includes the latest information and guidance for department stakeholders related to agency actions, updated meeting schedules and other available resources for businesses during this state of emergency.  This page will continue to be updated as additional guidance and notices are published related to department stakeholders and department operations

Access the DBPR Emergency Information page at: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/emergency.

Governor Issues Guidance on Beach Access

The Governor is directing parties accessing public beaches in the state of Florida to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance by limiting their gatherings to no more than 10 persons.  Some counties have already closed their local beaches from public access.  Beaches in Southwest Florida are closed until further notice in order to prevent the community spread of COVID-19. 

Governor Closes Florida State Parks Until Further Notice

At the direction of Governor DeSantis to uphold CDC guidance, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will close all Florida State Parks to the public effective on Monday, March 23. 

Florida Department of Education Provides Educational Resources

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE)  has made resources for students, parents and school districts during the extended spring break for students as they transition into distance learning.  The page also contains extensive information on the state’s response to COVID-19.  

CPALMS, Khan Academy, Floridastudents.org and additional educational resources are stepping up to serve Florida families free of charge, with thousands of online courses, lessons and practice exercises and videos so students can continue their education. 

K-12 Schools Closed, Exams Canceled and Deadlines Waived

Governor Ron DeSantis and FDOE Commissioner Corcoran canceled all remaining assessments for school readiness, voluntary prekindergarten and K-12 assessments for the 2019-2020 school year. 

End of course assessments and exams, requirements for graduation and promotion, and final course grades will be canceled and current grades will be evaluated as though those assessments did not exist.

K-12 school grades will not be calculated for 2019-2020 and schools in turnaround may continue their current status for 2020-2021 to avoid disruption to school leadership and operations. 

Eligibility for Florida Bright Futures scholarships shall be based on available data and results. Tests that were not available to be taken shall not be counted. 

K-12 school districts are permitted to redirect unspent 2019-2020 funds from the Safe Schools and Mental Health allocations to virtual and telephonic mental health counseling services for students who need emotional support due to COVID-19. 

All school readiness, voluntary prekindergarten, K-12, career and technical centers and state college programs will receive their full allocation of funding, and therefore staff and contractors can be paid fully, through June 30, 2020, as though there was no disruption in education.   

For the next 120 days, exam fees for teacher certification-related examinations will be waived, and test-takers who were unable to take an exam due to test site locations closing will be granted an extension to meet these requirements.

Public Higher Education Campuses Closed Through End of Semester

It was announced, Tuesday, March 17, that all public state college and university campuses will be closed for the remainder of the spring semester. 

The State University System has directed all state universities to continue remote instruction through the end of the spring semester.  All students who are able to return home have been strongly advised to do so.

The State University System has also directed that traditional on-campus commencement ceremonies will not be held in May.  Instead, each university is directed to develop an alternate schedule or method of delivery.

Hendry County Declares Local State of Emergency

Last Thursday, Hendry County declared a local State of Emergency to alert citizens and help local officials effectively prepare for a potential outbreak.  

With all schools closed until April 15, 2020 and transitioning to virtual learning, the school system is still prepared to help children in need receive access to meals. Hendry County released a revised meal distribution plan and schedule. 

• Clewiston and LaBelle Schools: Breakfast and lunch will be served to Clewiston and LaBelle school students from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Beginning Monday, March 23, drive-thru services will be available at Clewiston Middle School, Clewiston High School, LaBelle High School and LaBelle Elementary School.
• Bagged meals for breakfast and lunch will be served simultaneously.   
• Remote site meal deliveries will be from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon on a first-come, first-served basis until all meals have been delivered. 
• Meals will be delivered to the Montura Clubhouse, Pioneer Community Center, Felda Community Center, and the Iglesia Cristiana Restauracion located at 1301 Hwy 29 North. 
• Students MUST be present at any of these distribution sites in order to receive a meal.

Collier & Lee County Local State of Emergencies Declared

Last week, Collier County and Lee County declared local state of emergencies to encourage social-distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Collier County closed beach parking facilities until further notice.  In addition, Collier Area Transit is discontinuing operation of the Beach Bus route 29 until further notice.  These actions are in keeping with CDC COVID-19 guidelines and the Governor’s Executive Order to limit large gatherings and encourage social distancing. 

Within Collier County, Naples closed all public beaches within city limits through Monday, March 30.  This includes The Naples Pier, City beach accesses, beach restroom facilities, parking areas, Lowdermilk Park and walkways.

Lee County-owned beaches and the county-owned Fort Myers Beach Pier are closed until further notice. This includes beach parking lots, restrooms and county-owned beach access points.

FGCU Campus Provides COVID-19 Status Update

While the university will close down some facilities and stop or reduce some operations, the following will remain in service:

• Residence hall occupancy for those who need it
• Food service on a modified basis
• Campus safety
• Little Eagles Learning Center to care for children of those who must work on campus
• Facilities operations, maintenance and cleaning services
• Student and community mental health services on a modified basis
• Student health services
• Inter-campus shuttle on a modified basis

You can view FGCU’s frequent updates on COVID-19 here.

Local Mobile Testing Available

NCH Healthcare System
NCH continues to offer their mobile (drive-thru) testing at the Telford Building parking garage at the NCH Baker Hospital Campus in downtown Naples.

To prevent crowding and due to limited supplies, patients must meet the testing criteria and have their test ordered by their physician or provider.  These screenings are APPOINTMENT ONLY by calling 239-624-4443.  Anyone without an appointment and physician/provider order will not be allowed to enter the hospital campus.

Lee Health 
Lee Health has established a drive-up site to collect specimens for COVID-19 to increase access for the number of people being tested in our community. The mobile site is in the parking lot of the Lee Convenient Care office at Page Field.  

Keep in mind that patients must have an order from their physician or provider and make an appointment before showing up to the collection site. These requirements are necessary to maintain an orderly collection process. Patients who are experiencing symptoms and don’t have a test order should call their primary care physician.

The collection site opens today at noon and will be open seven days a week from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Page Field Lee Convenient Care office is located at 4771 S Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers.
 

Lee Health Offers Telehealth Free of Charge

For a limited time, Lee Health is offering their TeleHealth services free of charge.  Lee TeleHealth is an on-demand medical service, in which you may receive care from the comfort of your own home.  You can use your mobile device to talk to a doctor today.

Learn more at:  https://www.leehealth.org/lee-telehealth

Publix Issues Specialty Shopping Hours

CDC has reported that individuals over the age of 65 are at increased risk of complications from the coronavirus.  In response to the CDC, Publix and many stores are offering expanded hours to better support the elder community.

Publix is designating Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 7:00 – 8:00 a.m., as senior shopping hours for customers age 65 and over.  This change in hours will begin Tuesday, March 24, and continue until further notice.  Publix Pharmacy will also open at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to serve our senior population.

Additional Stores Offer Specialty Shopping Hours

Costco
Beginning March 24 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Costco will temporarily implement special operating hours for members who are 60 and older and those with physical disabilities.  The pharmacy will also be open during this hour. 

Fresh Market
All stores will be open between 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.  Additionally, on weekdays the first shopping hour of 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. will be reserved for seniors and other individuals most at risk (those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes).

Target
All stores will reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday to support vulnerable guests, including the elderly and those with underlying health concerns.

Walmart
From March 24 through April 28, stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before your local store opens.  Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time

Whole Foods Market
Stores in the U.S. and Canada will also service customers who are 60 and older one hour before opening to the general public, under the new adjusted hours posted on the store’s web page. Visit your local store's website for more information.

Southwest Florida Events Canceled

Due to CDC guidelines on social distancing helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many events you may have registered for may have been canceled. 

The Naples Daily News is working to keep the public informed of these events and has a running list on their website.  This list will be updated continually. If you know of a cancellation or postponement, email features@naplesnews.com.

You may view Southwest Florida event cancellations and postponements, here. 

Travel Advisory Updates

At this time, CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel.

If you are returning from an area with an outbreak of COVID-19 the CDC recommends self-quarantine for 14 days immediately upon return from your travels, even if you are asymptomatic.

If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath during those 14 days please contact your health care professional and mention your recent travel.

Your provider will work with your local County Health Department (CHD)to determine if  COVID-19 testing is necessary.

If you have had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from an impacted area, you should call a health care professional and mention your close contact and their recent travel.

For the most updated COVID-10 travel advisories, visit: U.S. Travel Advisories and CDC Information for Travel. 

Social Distancing Guidance

In areas where there are multiple cases of COVID-19, there is a concern about “community spread.”  Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

This is why staying home, avoiding travel and crowds, and practicing social distancing is so important.  Although young people may not be in as much risk of death as individuals over 65, they can catch and spread the virus just as easily. 

The Symptoms & Spread of COVID-19

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.

There is currently no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19. However, trials for a vaccine began today.

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.

Preventative Measures to Protect You & Your Family

As there is no current FDA-approved vaccine at this time to prevent COVID-19, the best prevention method is to avoid being exposed to the virus,  and to avoid personal contact with others, especially our elderly population. 

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.

Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.  The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

For more prevention and treatment tips, please visit: 

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

Feeling Unwell? Practice Contact Tracing

If you are feeling unwell and/or diagnosed with COVID-19, it is important to remember and inform those who you may have in been in contact with before contracting the disease. Doctors and epidemiologists will work with you to contact trace and will help to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Reemployment Assistance

If your employment has been negatively impacted because of mitigation efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance.

Those who may be eligible for Reemployment Assistance include:

• Individuals who are quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency;
• Those who are laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employer due to COVID-19 concerns; and
• Persons who are caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19

Visit floridajobs.org and click on "Reemployment Assistance Service Center" to learn more about the program.

Recently, Governor DeSantis directed The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to waive job search requirements for DEO reemployment and waive penalties to employers.

Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program

DEO administers the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program in partnership with the Florida SBDC Network and Florida First Capital Finance Corporation to provide cash flow to businesses economically impacted by COVID-19.

The short-term, interest-free loans help bridge the gap between the time the economic impact occurred and when a business secures other financial resources, including payment of insurance claims or longer-term Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.  Up to $50 million has been allocated for the program.

Small business owners with two to 100 employees located in Florida affected by COVID-19 can apply for short-term loans up to $50,000.

These loans are interest-free for up to one year and are designed to bridge the gap to either federal SBA loans or commercially available loans.  DEO will work with every borrower to ensure that repayment of the loan isn’t an overwhelming burden.

To be eligible, a business must have been established prior to March 9, 2020, and demonstrate economic impacts as a result of COVID-19.

The application period ends May 8, 2020. Businesses can apply at FloridaDisaster.BIZ.

DEO Conducting Survey on Impact of COVID-19

DEO is currently surveying businesses throughout the state of Florida that have been impacted by COVID-19.

Businesses and non-profits can access the Business Damage Assessment survey at FloridaDisaster.BIZ.

Select “COVID-19” from the drop-down menu on the survey page.

Response to the Business Damage Assessment survey is not an application for assistance.

Attorney General Ashley Moody Activates Price Gouging Hotline

Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline for all consumers in the state.

At this time, essential commodities covered by Florida’s price gouging law under the COVID-19 state of emergency declaration include:

•  Protective mask;
•  Sanitizing and disinfecting supplies, such as hand sanitizer, gel, wipes, cleaning supplies for surface cleaning, and all commercial cleaning supplies; and
• All personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, gloves and other protective gear.

To call the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline, dial: 1-866-966-7226

Call/Text 2-1-1 for Free Children’s Meals During COVID-19

Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have partnered with 2-1-1 to activate a text line and call center open 24/7, which families can contact to find free meals for children under 18 during the current COVID-19 school closures. This follows the Department’s recent activation of the Summer BreakSpot children’s meal locator website at SummerBreakSpot.FreshFromFlorida.com.

Floridians can now text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211 to find their closest participating Summer BreakSpot location, and can also call 2-1-1 to speak with a live operator 24 hours a day for additional locations.

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)

• http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19
•  https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

Florida Health COVID-19 Data & Surveillance Dashboard

• https://arcg.is/0Hfi5O 

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
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

White House National Updates

• coronavirus.gov

World Health Organization (WHO)

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

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
• Email: COVID-19@flhealth.gov 

Please note the call center is available 24/7.

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 continues to serve as a useful platform for updates and resources. Please continue to take preventive measures to remain safe and healthy.  I will continue to keep my constituents updated as we learn more.

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

Not paid for at taxpayer expense.

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