Today, the U.S. Labor Department released the national unemployment rate, which is at 14.7%, the worst our nation has seen since the Great Depression.  As the COVID-19 crisis continues, this figure is expected to worsen.  Behind every number is a face. I know millions of Floridians are without jobs and struggling to make ends meet.  The challenges with our state's Reemployment Assistance program have only made things more difficult to endure. 

On the bright side, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Your efforts to stay at home and keep distance from others have helped us flatten the curve.

Governor Ron DeSantis and his team have been working hard to improve the Reemployment Assistance system so that it can process more applications and provide relief to Florida families faster. 

And this week, Phase I of Re-Open Florida went into full effect.  The plan, which is based on data and facts, ensures the vulnerable remain protected, increases testing, continues social distancing, supports hospital capacity and protects health care workers.  In addition, there are measures to prevent introduction from outside the state.

We will continue to focus on facts in place of fear to safely re-open our state.  I encourage you to continue to take precautions and safety measures as we begin to slowly ease into our new "normal."  Floridians have taken great care to practice social distancing and follow CDC recommendations, while supporting local businesses and restaurants, and giving back to the community.  

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for stepping up to help flatten the curve here in our district. We are in this together, and together we can safely continue to open Florida step-by-step.

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 Friday, there are 39,199 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in the state of Florida, including 712 in Collier County, 1,219  in Lee County and 133 in Hendry County.  There are now over 1.2 million cases across the United States and more than 3.8 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.  

Phase I of Re-Open Florida in Full Force

On May 4, Governor DeSantis's Phase I of the "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step." plan to  of Re-Open Florida went into effect. This first phase excludes Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. 

Phase I includes the following:

• Schools to continue distance learning.
• Visits to senior living facilities are prohibited.
• Elective surgeries are able to resume.
• Restaurants may offer outdoor seating with six feet between tables and indoor seating at 25% capacity.
• Retail can operate at 25% of indoor capacity.
• Bars, gyms, and personal services, such as hair salons, must remain closed.
• Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside the home.
• All individuals when in public should maximize physical distance from others.
• Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for physical distancing.
• Face masks are recommended for all those in face-to-face interactions and where you can’t social distance.

Barbers, Salons and Other Personal Services to Open Monday

On Friday, Governor DeSantis shared a video on Twitter announcing that barbershops, salons and other personal services may open Monday, May 11. 

The video featured Orlando barber J. Henry announcing that barbershops will reopen, along with hair and nail salons. Workers will be required to wear masks and gloves and see customers only by appointment, Henry said. 

“I know everyone wants to come out and support the barber shop, but we want to keep one thing in mind,” Henry said in the video. “Safety is always first.”

Over 25 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:

• 25,000,000 masks
• Nearly 10,000,000 gloves
• 1,600,000 face shields
• More than 1,000,000 shoe covers
• More than 400,000 gowns
• More than 200,000 containers of hand sanitizer
• 85,000 goggles
• 37,000 coveralls

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

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

At the direction of Governor DeSantis, the state has established 12 drive-thru and 10 walk-up testing sites across the state, with more coming online. More than 100,000 people have been tested at these sites. Floridians can find a site near them here.

The DEM has also launched a website to track the mobile lab that is testing long-term care facilities across the state.  The mobile lab can test up to 3,500 individuals per week and supports rapid testing, with results available same day.  The website is available here.

Florida Prioritizing Testing

Florida continues to focus on testing as we begin our phase-in period to re-open various public places and businesses.  The state has established more than 15 drive-thru and walk-up testing sites across the state, with more coming online.  Each site completes an estimated 400 to 750 tests per day.  More than 85,000 people have been tested at these sites.  

The state will begin mobile lab testing to long-term care facilities this week.  The mobile lab can test up to 3,500 individuals per week and supports rapid testing, with results available in 45 minutes.

At May 4th’s press conference, the Governor announced the highest testing total for a single day since the start of the pandemic.  On May 4, 23,884 people were tested for COVID-19, with only 2.61% of new test-takers testing positive – the lowest since testing began.  To date, Florida has issued 495,075 tests across our state with a 7.8 positive rate.

On Wednesday, May 6, Governor DeSantis announced the launch of the state’s first mobile testing lab. Yesterday, the mobile lab conducted its first round of testing for long-term care facilities, testing 500 individuals at a nursing home in Miami.  The lab has rapid testing capabilities, producing results in just 45 minutes and can conduct up to 3,500 tests per week.

Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Housing Provide Local Governments $5 Million in Housing Assistance for Families Impacted by COVID-19

On May 7, Governor Ron DeSantis along with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) announced the distribution of $5 million to local governments through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program to assist individuals and families in Florida impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with the housing assistance and resources.

“My administration continues to take bold steps in ensuring families in Florida have the housing resources needed in these uncertain times,” said Governor DeSantis.  “Families can take comfort knowing the additional funding to local government housing offices will be quickly distributed to help keep a roof over Floridian’s heads.”

“During these turbulent times, Governor DeSantis and Florida Housing remain committed to helping Floridians with homeownership and rental assistance with this much-needed allocation,” said Trey Price, Executive Director for Florida Housing.  “Because COVID-19 has impacted Florida as a whole, Florida Housing is accelerating this release of available disaster recovery funds to eligible SHIP counties and cities.”

As allowed by statute, Florida Housing held back $5 million of the 2019/2020 SHIP appropriation for disaster recovery, which is typically used to assist SHIP participants with recovery from natural disasters.  In years that the funds are not used for that purpose, they are added to the normal SHIP allocation at the end of the fiscal year and released in accordance with the statutory allocation process.  Those funds were fortunately not needed for that purpose this fiscal year.  

Additionally, in our continued effort to support SHIP local governments Florida Housing has implemented the following:

• Approving waiver requests from local governments related to homeownership (65%), construction (75%), rental restriction (25%) and advertising requirements; and
• Approving technical revisions to Local Housing Assistance Plans (LHAPs) to allow for rental assistance/eviction prevention, mortgage payment assistance/foreclosure prevention.

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Issues Emergency Rule

On May 5, at the direction of Governor DeSantis, AHCA issued Emergency Rule 59AER20-1.  The emergency rule requires COVID-19 testing by hospitals of all patients, regardless of symptoms, prior to discharge to long-term care facilities.

This week, AHCA also sent out guidance to nursing homes requiring the transfer of residents with verified or suspected cases if these facilities cannot appropriately isolate and adhere to the CDC recommendations for COVID-19 response.

A provider alert was additionally issued by the department at the Governor's direction, suspending prior authorization requirements and service limits for Medicaid behavior health services.

Governor DeSantis Calls for Investigation of Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Reemployment System, CONNECT

Governor DeSantis this week announced that he has directed Chief Inspector General Melinda Miguel to investigate the Department of Economic Opportunity’s online reemployment system, CONNECT. Governor DeSantis has made clear that he is unhappy with the system, and that the people of Florida deserve answers as to why the state paid for such a flawed system in 2011.

Reminder: IRS Launches ‘Get My Payment’ Tool

As part of the federal CARES Act, economic impact payments have begun and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people.

However, some taxpayers who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the economic impact payment. The IRS designed a new tool called “Get My Payment” to help people track the status of their payments.

For eligibility criteria based on your household and income and how to access payment, please visit the IRS "Get My Payment" tool.

President Trump Signs Executive Order to Secure America’s Seafood Supply Chain and Bring Jobs Home

On May 6, President Trump signed an Executive Order to increase America’s competitiveness in the seafood industry and protect the seafood supply chain.  This order instructs agencies to expand sustainable seafood production in the United States thereby solidifying our Nation’s food security, protect American jobs in the seafood industry, and create new jobs in the United States. President Trump also announced the availability of $300 million from the Department of Commerce to support fishermen and related businesses hurt by the Coronavirus. 

U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Availability of $1.5 Billion in CARES Act Funds to Aid Communities Impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic

On May 7, the Department of Commerce announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is now accepting applications from eligible grantees for CARES Act supplemental funds intended to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Under this announcement, EDA will make CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants under the authority of the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, which is intended to be flexible and responsible to the economic development needs and priorities of local and regional stakeholders. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Creates Interactive Tool to Provide Meals to Students During Summer

To ensure that children who rely on free or reduced-price meals at school are able to get the nutrition they need, the USDA is working with states to continue providing meals to students.  The USDA website provides an interactive map to find directions to nearby sites as well as hours of operation and contact information.

The USDA National Hunger Hotline remains a helpful resource for people seeking food assistance. The hotline, operated by Hunger Free America, can be reached Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) (for Spanish).

Pfizer and BioNTech Dose First Participants in the U.S. as Part of Global COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Development Program

On May 5, Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE announced that the first participants have been dosed in the U.S. in the Phase 1/2 clinical trial for the BNT162 vaccine program to prevent COVID-19.  The trial is part of a global development program, and the dosing of the first cohort in Germany was completed last week. 

Pfizer and BioNTech’s development program includes four vaccine candidates, each representing a different combination of mRNA format and target antigen.  The novel design of the trial allows for the evaluation of the various mRNA candidates simultaneously in order to identify the safest and potentially most efficacious candidate in a greater number of volunteers, in a manner that will facilitate the
sharing of data with regulatory authorities in real-time. 

Pfizer plans to activate its extensive manufacturing network and invest at risk in an effort to produce an approved COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible for those most in need around the world. The breadth of this program should allow the production of millions of vaccine doses in 2020, increasing to hundreds of millions in 2021.

FloridaMakes Works with Manufacturing Industry to Sponsor the First Statewide Online Manufacturing Apprentice Program

FloridaMakes is sponsoring a statewide registered apprenticeship program –– the FloridaMakes Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship.  The first program offered will focus on entry-level skills for new and existing employees in the Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) occupation.

With online, on-demand access to the foundational Manufacturing Skills Standards Council’s (MSSC) Certified Production Technician training curriculum.  This new approach brings Florida’s manufacturers a hybrid training model that addresses entry-level skills gaps and provides foundational manufacturing knowledge regardless of the specific occupation, which will help give apprentices the tools they need to move on to more specific occupations. It also bypasses the need for employees attending courses at institutions and provides flexible access for students.

 The IMT Apprenticeship Program is a career pathway to higher-skilled positions for entry-level workers and especially for women and underrepresented populations for whom traditional “classroom” training programs may pose attendance difficulties due to lack of transportation and inflexible time constraints.  Program policies are being formalized with an expected launch to accept applications in late May 2020.

Executive Order 2020-112: Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery (April 29, 2020)

The Executive Order implements Phase 1 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 first steps toward safely allowing certain businesses to reopen beginning on May 4, 2020.  Restaurants and food establishments may reopen but are required to stay at 25% or less capacity, keep a minimum of 6 feet between each table, and not seat parties of 10 or more. Bars, pubs, nightclubs, gyms, and fitness centers will remain closed at this time.  The prohibition on vacation rentals will also remain in effect. Retail establishments, museums, and libraries may reopen if they maintain 25% or less capacity.  Elective medical procedures may resume as long as facilities adhere to certain guidelines.  Phase 1 does not apply to Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach counties.  View Executive Order 2020-112 here.

Executive Order 2020-111: Limited Extension of Essential Services and Activities and Vacation Rental Prohibition (April 29, 2020)

The Executive Order extends Executive Orders 20-87 (Vacation Rental Closures) and 20-91 (Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency) until 12:01 am May 4, 2020. View Executive Order 2020-111 here.

Re-Opening Our Beaches & Parks

The beaches and certain parks in Collier and Lee counties have been reopened to the public as of April 30th.  There are still some local restrictions in place. For the most up-to-date information, visit the links below.

South Florida Water Management District Opens Remainder of District-Managed Land for Active Recreation

On May 4, the South Florida Water Management District announced that they have reopened the remainder of closed District-managed lands.  Visitors must practice social distancing, including limiting group sizes to 10 or less and staying six feet apart from other visitors.

District lands are only open for active recreation such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, kayaking and boating, based on-site rules.  Passive recreational activities, such as camping, picnicking and gatherings of more than 10 people, are not allowed at this time.  For more information about recreational opportunities and a full list of the status of District lands, continue to visit SFWMD.gov/recreation.

For a complete list of open parks and available amenities, please visit www.floridastateparks.org.

In reopening these lands, the District will continue to follow the recommendations of Governor Ron DeSantis' Re-Open Florida Task Force, the Florida Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to minimize activities that could spread COVID-19.

A Letter on Florida's Marine Industry & Restoring Our Economy

Last week, the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association issued a letter on role of boating and the marine industry as Florida's economy reopens.  As the association extends to Lee County, President Hans Wilson asks that you remember the small, locally-owned marine and boating businesses that need your help to restore the economy.  The association will continue to advocate for safe boating and spread the word that there is no substitute for following social distancing requirements.

CareerSource Southwest Florida, Issues Report on COVID-19, Helped Reset over 4,000 PINs

As the DEO CONNECT website became overrun by unemployment claims; individuals turned to CareerSource Southwest Florida for answers and assistance.

CareerSource staff volunteered to assist in resetting Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) for individuals.  Despite technical challenges, by mid-April that 42 out of 52 staff were trained and able to assist with resetting PINs.  Staff ramped-up with training and access to the CONNECT-System in order to answer phones, emails, and web-site inquiries to the best of their abilities and are still responding to UC applicants today.

Staff worked seven days a week for three weeks resetting PINs and often reported how grateful individuals were just to talk to someone even if we could not help with their UC claim process.

As of May 1, CareerSource was able to help reset 4192 PINs.  Thank you to Joe Paterno and his team for all of their hard work and stepping up to help.

Hendry County Conducting Local Broadband Survey

Magellan Advisors is conducting a study of broadband at locations in Hendry County.  County leaders are seeking input to learn about internet access and use by households and organizations to make sure everyone has the services they need.

If you are a Hendry County resident, please make sure the location for which you are completing this survey has broadband internet service, use a computer at that location, directly wired to your internet connection.

If the location does not have broadband, you may complete this survey from any internet-connected device, or you can request a printed survey form by contacting  surveys@magellan-advisors.com.

Local COVID-19 Testing Locations

On Monday, May 4, 2020, Walmart, alongside Quest Diagnostics and HHS, announced 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.

State National Guard Testing Site at Lee County CenturyLink Sports Complex

Starting on May 4, drive-thru, community-based COVID-19 testing site is scheduled to open at the CenturyLink Sports Complex at 14100 Ben C. Pratt/Six-Mile Cypress Pkwy., Ft. Myers. 

This site was created 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.

ICYMI: Collier County Offering Rent and Mortgage Assistance

United Way of Collier and the Keys is teaming up with Collier County Government to provide State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) & Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding to assist qualifying households that have been financially impacted due to the recent COVID-19 crisis with rent and mortgage assistance.

You can apply for the program online. For information on how to apply, contact the United Way at unitedwayofcolliercounty.org or call (239) 263-4211.

Reminder: Collier Schools Schedule Senior Awards and Virtual Commencement

The Class of 2020 is facing an unprecedented season of change due to COVID-19 which has led to the modification of the spring schedule or cancellation of many hallmark moments of the high school experience. 

A video/virtual graduation ceremony will be held for each high school on June 3, 2020, including each student’s name being announced, a photo of each graduate in cap and gown, and speeches by student leaders, school/district administrators, and School Board Members.

Students, parents, extended family members, and guests will have the opportunity to remotely view the video streaming at their school's designated graduation time via the district and each high school's website.

Below is the schedule for the Class of 2020 Virtual Graduation on June 3. Further information regarding how to view the stream will be forthcoming. Seniors and parents will receive details regarding cap and gown photos from their respective schools.

• Barron Collier High - 2:00 p.m.
• Everglades City School - 5:00 p.m.
• Golden Gate High - 1:00 p.m.
• Gulf Coast High - 4:00 p.m.
• Immokalee High - 7:00 p.m.
• Lely High - 5:00 p.m.
• Lorenzo Walker Technical High - 6:00 p.m.
• Naples High - 7:00 p.m.
•  Palmetto Ridge High - 7:00 p.m.

Given the state of our country, we recognize traditional commencement ceremonies will not happen on June 3 as previously planned. Therefore, in an effort to reunite the Class of 2020, all high schools will host an event in July.

If guidelines from the CDC allow for a gathering of the entire senior class and parents/guests, each high school will hold a ceremony on a school’s athletic field. If schools are unable to hold the July event, all high schools will host an event in December. 

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Reemployment Assistance Status Update

As of May 7, DEO has paid 494,944 claimants a total of more than $1.18 billion. More than $1.9 million claims have been submitted to DEO, and 829,771 of those have been processed.

Individuals can file a new claim 24 hours a day, seven days per week at www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim." 

On April 30, DEO extended Emergency Order 20-011 waiving certain state requirements for Reemployment Assistance. The online work registration and work search requirements of section 443.091, F.S. will continue to be suspended consistent with the "emergency flexibility" guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. These actions will enable DEO to move quickly to expedite Reemployment Assistance payments as Floridians go back to work. These suspensions expire on May 9, 2020.

Reminder: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Available For Floridians

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program is now available to all eligible Floridians. The 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, 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 DEO Receives Additional Funding for Florida's Small Businesses

On April 25, an additional $320 billion was approved for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resumed accepting Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan applications as of  Monday, April 27, for approved lenders on behalf of any eligible borrower.

For more information on the Paycheck Protection Program, visit: sba.gov/paycheckprotection.

You may reach out to your bank or lender for more information on commercial loan opportunities that may be available to you. Visit the U.S. Treasury website for a list of banks and lenders.

Department of Education Provides Guidance for School Districts Regarding Mental Health Services

Earlier this week, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) sent a memo to School Districts regarding youth mental health services.  Following the unanticipated school closures, previous guidance from the FDOE allows districts 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 support due to COVID-19.

Recommended ways student services professionals (school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists and school nurses) are trained to support students and families:

• Identify students who are in need of mental health supports.
• Provide and/or coordinate the delivery of virtual mental health services.
• Create and deliver virtual social-emotional support and character education lessons for students and families.
• Complete pending, social history evaluations and reevaluations. This includes writing reports and conducting interviews with parents using the telehealth model (phone or computer contact).
• Collaborate with community agency stakeholders to assist in providing services and support to families in need.
• Conduct components of initial evaluations and reevaluations that can be completed.
• Provide virtual services as it relates to the individual education plans, 504 plans and health care plans.

FDOE urged districts to consider using web-based, online platforms to provide counseling and other telehealth services, facilitate meetings on digital platforms or phone conferencing, connect with students and families by phone, and leverage social messaging platforms to provide information.

Additional Resources

• Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19
• Virtual Service Delivery in Response to COVID-19 Disruptions
•  Talking With Children About Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Planning for Virtual/Distance School Counseling During an Emergency Shutdown
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): Telehealth Resources
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Telepractice

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 newsletter a valuable source of guidance and developments as we strive to safely re-open our beautiful state. Please be sure to follow social distancing guidance to keep you and your household healthy as we continue to 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.

Paid political advertisement paid for by Working Together for Florida P.C., 133 South Harbor Drive, Venice, FL 34285.