Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Phase 2 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Florida's Recovery.  As we continue to recover from COVID-19 and the impacts on our lives, our families and our businesses, there is another rising crisis that we as a nation need to face and address: racial discrimination and violence. 

The death of George Floyd was a horrific tragedy, and I pray for him, his young daughter, his family and loved ones and all who mourn his loss.  I hope that the authorities in Minneapolis will act quickly to bring justice, though I know they cannot bring his life back. 

His death is a symbol of the discrimination minorities face across our nation and throughout our world.  While I cannot presume to understand the struggles, pain and heart-wrenching impacts of racial discrimination, I am willing to listen and learn.  I want to know more.  I believe that the more we know about one another, the more we understand each other's perspectives, the more we are willing to work together for the benefit of our community, our state and our nation.  To those of you who are angry and demanding change, I am listening. 

But to those who are out there using this opportunity to cause more violence and bring more harm on others, I beg you to stop.  There is nothing to be gained through more destruction.  There is no justice delivered through more violence. 

The actions of a few - like the officers in Minneapolis -- cannot and should not define all law enforcement officers.  The vast majority of our law enforcement are upstanding public servants who wake every day, put on a uniform and face danger to protect us.  They are the guardians of our community and I support our sheriffs, police officers and first responders who are working side by side with members of our communities to prevent discrimination through communication and understanding. 

Visit My Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Webpage

For all resources previously shared in these newsletters, please visit kathleenpassidomo.com.  You will find a list of Executive Orders in place, 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. 

Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

As of Thursday afternoon, there are 60,183 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in the state of Florida, including 1,738 in Collier County, 2,084 in Lee County and 116 in Hendry County.  There are now over 1.8 million cases across the United States and more than 6.5 million worldwide. 

Here are additional resources from the state and federal level: 

• To find the most up-to-date information and guidance, you can visit the Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) 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.  

Click the button below to view Florida Health's Data and Surveillance Dashboard for Florida-specific data including County-by-County cases.  

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Phase 2 of Re-Open Florida

The Governor's Executive Order 20-139 brings Florida counties (excluding Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties) into Phase 2 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.

 Full Phase 2 includes the following:

• Movie theaters, bowling alleys, bars, pubs and concert houses may open at 50% capacity inside and should follow certain mitigation guidelines. 
• Gyms and retail businesses may operate at full capacity and should allow certain mitigation guidelines. 
• Restaurants may allow bar-top seating with appropriate social distancing. 
• Personal services businesses, including but not limited to tattoo parlors, acupuncture establishments, tanning salons and massage establishments may operate while adhering to guidance from Florida Department of Health. 
• Individuals over 65 or with underlying medical conditions are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds. 
• All individuals are encouraged to avoid socializing in groups of more than 50 people. 

27 Million Masks Distributed to Florida's Front Line Workers

To date, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) has sent the following PPE to support health care workers and first responders:

• 27.5 million masks
• More than 11 million gloves
• Nearly 1.7 million face shields
• More than 1.1 million shoe covers
• More than 700,000 gowns
• 91,000 goggles
• Nearly 52,000 coveralls

For long-term care facilities alone, the Division has sent:

• More than 10 million masks
• 1 million gloves
• More than 500,000 face shields
•  160,000 gowns

Florida's Testing Efforts

On Wednesday, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced that an additional three COVID-19 testing sites across the state have been created through a partnership between Publix, FDEM and Quest Diagnostics.  These sites will open on Thursday, June 4, 2020.  The testing sites will be located in three Publix parking lots for FDEM to conduct COVID-19 testing.

The parking lot locations include:

• Publix at Port Charlotte Crossing, 4265 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
• Publix at Coral Ridge, 11600 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, FL 33065
• Publix at Saxon Crossings, 2100 Saxon Blvd, Deltona, FL 32725

The Division is providing staffing and personal protective equipment at each site.  Each of these walk-up, parking lot test sites will be able to conduct up to 100 tests per day.  Tests will be sent to Quest Diagnostics and results will be available within 5 – 7 days.

Testing at these sites is free and available to anyone over the age of 18, regardless of symptoms. 

Under the direction of Governor DeSantis, the state has established more than 15 drive-thru and 17 walk-up testing sites across the state. To date, more than 230,000 individuals have been tested at these sites.  Floridians can find a site near them here.

On Friday, May 29, Governor DeSantis announced a partnership with Home Depot and Publix to create six sites statewide, and that announcement can be found here.

Executive Order 2020-139: Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery (June 3, 2020)

The Executive Order implements Phase 2 of Governor DeSantis’ Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.  Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force, the Emergency Order takes the next steps toward safely allowing certain businesses to reopen beginning on June 6, 2020.

Restaurants and other establishments, and bars and other vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, may operate at fifty (50) percent of their indoor capacity, excluding employees.  Bar areas may be open with seated service.  In addition, outdoor seating is permissible with appropriate social distancing.  This section does not apply to nightclubs.

Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, and arcades may operate at fifty (50) percent of their building capacity, with appropriate social distancing between groups and appropriate sanitation.

Pari-mutuel facilities may seek to operate with a written request from the County Mayor or if no mayor the County Administrator to the Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the approval of the DBPR Secretary. 

Personal services, including but not limited to tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture, tanning and massage, may operate with appropriate safety guidelines as outlined by the Department of Health.

Phase 2 does not apply to Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach counties. View Executive Order 2020-139 here.

Executive Order 2020-137: Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief (June 1, 2020)

The Executive Order extends Executive Order 20-94, relating to mortgage foreclosure and eviction relief, until July 1, 2020. View Executive Order 20-137 here.

Executive Order 2020-131: Expanding Full Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery (May 22, 2020)

The Executive Order allows organized youth activities to operate, including youth sports, clubs, and child care. Summer camps and youth recreation camps may also operate. View Executive Order 2020-131 here. 

Collier County Announces Re-Opening of Beaches and Beach Parking Facilities

On Tuesday, June 2, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners approved the re-opening of Collier County beach parks and parking facilities to normal status and hours.  The Collier beach parks and parking facilities are now open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week.  Those without County or City beach parking stickers may purchase a daily parking pass for $8 to enter the parking areas.

The public’s cooperation and understanding throughout the closing and re-opening of Collier County beaches and parking facilities has been most appreciated.  Individuals are expected to continue to follow the Governor’s Executive Orders and CDC guidance regarding social distancing (six feet apart from non-family members) and to avoid congregating in groups of more than ten.

Collier County Government will be monitoring compliance with protocols to ensure residents are accessing and enjoying the beaches and parks in a safe manner.

City of Naples Provides Update on Public Beach Operation

On Wednesday, the City of Naples voted to continue its current operations on city-managed beaches.  As a refresher, the current limited hours and regulations are listed below.  The council next meets on Tuesday, June 9 where these could be revisited based on new information. 

Regulated visiting hours:

Monday – Friday, open sunrise to sunset

• No coolers and tents (chairs and umbrellas allowed)
• Walking, running, swimming, fishing, and paddle boarding allowed

Weekends: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• Chairs, tents, umbrellas, or coolers prohibited
• Walking, running, swimming, fishing, and paddle boarding allowed

Weekends: 5:00 p.m. – sunset

• ONLY chairs allowed. (Tents, umbrellas, or coolers prohibited)

Parking:

• City of Naples & Collier County beach parking permits ONLY
• No hourly beach parking (metered parking)
• No parking on residential streets unless in properly marked parking areas
• Fines will be doubled from $100 to $200 with no early discount
• Illegally parked vehicles will be towed

In addition, the City of Naples has canceled their Fourth of July parade and firework show in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Lee County, State National Guard Drive-Thru Testing Site 

The Lee County drive-thru, community-based COVID-19 testing site is operating at the CenturyLink Sports Complex at 14100 Ben C. Pratt/Six-Mile Cypress Pkwy., Ft. Myers, FL.

Through a partnership with the Florida DEM, the Florida DOH, the Florida National Guard, Lee County and Collier County, this site will support testing for residents in the area, including Lee County and Collier County residents.

• Testing site opens at 9 a.m. sharp, please do not line up cars outside the gate.
• The site will be open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 7 days a week. 
• Last car to be admitted into the gate at 3:00 pm.
• No appointment, doctor's note, or prescription is required.
• Testing will be available for individuals over the age of 18 regardless of symptoms.
• You must bring a valid photo ID for everyone being tested.
• Bring a face-covering/mask, you must cover your mouth for the nasal swab.
• Bring your own water, snacks, and any medication that you will need.  Especially if you have any medical condition that requires you to eat.
• The test site is drive-thru only.
• Individuals being tested will not be permitted to exit their vehicle.
• Keep your windows closed until given direction to open for the nasal swab.
• Your vehicle must have working windows that can be lowered for testing, doors must stay closed at all times.
• Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel to last the entire time, plan accordingly.

Additional Local COVID-19 Testing Locations

Walmart, alongside Quest Diagnostics and HHS, has set-up a new drive-thru test site in Lehigh Acres for all health care providers, first responders, and anyone exhibiting symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. The test site will take place in the Walmart parking lot at 2523 Lee Blvd, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971​.

All appointments will be drive-thru, observed self-collection in the Walmart parking lot. To be tested, individuals must have a scheduled appointment from MyQuest™ and no walk-ups will be seen. The testing site is supported by Walmart, Quest Diagnostics and state and local officials. ­

• There is no out of pocket cost for individuals.
• The drive-thru will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., weather permitting.
• Please arrive no more than 10 minutes before your appointment time.
• You must first qualify for COVID-19 screening and schedule an appointment at: www.MyQuestCOVIDTest.com
• If you have any questions regarding your scheduled appointment, please call Quest’s dedicated COVID-19 line at (866) 448-7719.

NCH Healthcare System, Lee Health, and Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. (FCHC) are also offering COVID-19 testing by appointment only.  For the latest updates on testing locations and how to schedule an appointment visit the links below.

DEO Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboard Updates

On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) issued reemployment assistance updates on the Reemployment Assistance (RA) Claims Dashboard. As of June 2, DEO has paid 1,188,782 claimants a total of $4.11 billion ($4,109,549,899). To date there are over 73,337 claims within Collier, Lee and Hendry County. 

• DEO has launched a Virtual Waiting Room for the CONNECT system.When CONNECT was developed, it was designed to have 1,000 concurrent users at a time. With the system enhancements put into place over the last few months, CONNECT is now able to host 80,000+/- concurrent users and provide a positive experience for the users utilizing the system. The CONNECT Virtual Waiting Room allows claimants to reserve their place in line while other claimants access the system.
• Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements for claimants through June 13, 2020. Additionally, the waiting week requirement will continue to be waived through August 1, 2020.
• To comply with federal law, weeks beginning May 10, 2020, claimants for all Reemployment Assistance programs, including state Reemployment Assistance, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, will be required to return to the CONNECT system every two weeks to request their benefits or “claim their weeks.” I In doing so, claimants will confirm that they are still unemployed and acknowledge that they are able and available for work should it be offered.For more information, click here. 

Individuals who have general questions that are not claim specific can call 1-833 FL APPLY (1-833-352-7759) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Claimants can log-in again starting Monday, May 11 at 8:00 a.m.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program Opens

The Federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program is now available. This program, offered through the federal CARES Act and administered by DEO, provides up to 13 weeks of benefits to a claimant who has exhausted their Reemployment Assistance benefits.

Floridians will need to apply for PEUC benefits once the balance of their current claim is exhausted. Floridians who have already exhausted their benefits or have a Reemployment Assistance claim that expired after July 1, 2019, will also be able to apply.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Assistance 

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program provides unemployment benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida’s state Reemployment Assistance program, including independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed.

Individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19 and believe they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), can visit FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply and be considered for PUA.

Applicants should utilize the following criteria when applying for PUA:

• Individuals who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or after April 5, 2020, and were deemed ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits will receive additional application information from the Department. They can also visit FloridaJobs.org/cares-act for more information regarding these programs.
• Those who are self-employed, contract employees, gig workers, or others who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or before April 4, 2020, should apply at FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim” to request PUA.
• Unemployed Floridians who have not yet applied for any benefit should apply at FloridaJobs.org and will be considered for all existing programs, including PUA.

Florida Veterans Foundation and Uber Partner to Provide Free Rides to Appointments

The Florida Veterans Foundation announced May 18 its partnership with Uber to create the ‘Veterans Ride Program’ for Florida veterans who may have limited transportation options when trying to keep medical appointments as a result of COVID-19. The program will be overseen by the Foundation, who has partnered with the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network. Visit www.VeteransRideFree.com to learn more.

The Florida Department of Health 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/
• COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard: https://arcg.is/0Hfi5O 
• COVID-19 Call Center: 1-866-779-6121
• Email: COVID-19@flhealth.gov 
• Twitter: @HealthyFla

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

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• CDC COVID-19 Homepage
• Frequently Asked Questions

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

I hope you find this to be a useful source of real-time news as we continue to receive state developments and additional resources to share. Please be sure to practice social distancing guidelines and do your civic duty to keep others around you healthy to successfully prevent the spread of COVID-19.  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
 
Sincerely,

Kathleen C. Passidomo

Senate Majority Leader
State Senator, District 28

Not paid for at taxpayer expense.

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