Escambia County COVID-19 Update #52

Updated at 4:30 p.m. April 15:
Please reference the prior updates and Escambia County COVID-19 Update #11 for a prior comprehensive running list. View an updated list of county closures and cancellations here.  This update only includes new information we have received. Weekend updates will be distributed only when there is new information.

Escambia County

(A hi-res version of this image is attached at the bottom of the press release) 

• Did you miss District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh's virtual 35th Coffee with the Commissioner event this morning? Watch a replay here. Guests included Janice Gilley, Escambia County administrator, Eric Gilmore, Escambia County Emergency Manager and Gay Nord, West Florida Hospital CEO. 
• As of 3:55 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, Escambia County area hospitals reported 220 total ventilators with 172 available, and 1,315 total beds with 534 available.

Gulf Power
Many customers are working or staying at home more which will likely increase power usage and could lead to higher monthly bills. To provide relief, Gulf Power plans to fast-track a one-time decrease of nearly 40% in May for the typical residential customer bill as a result of lower fuel costs, subject to Florida Public Service Commission approval.
 
Energy-Saving Tips

• Keep thermostats set at 78 if possible. Each degree raised can save up to five percent on monthly cooling costs.
• Keep bedroom and other interior doors open to improve air flow.
• Keep lights off in unoccupied rooms. .
• Ceiling fans keeps people cool but don't cool the room. Turn off the fan when leaving a room to save from $3 to $7 a month.
• Turn off ceiling, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when leaving the room.
• Close shades, blinds and drapes to keep the sun’s heat out.
• Increased use of TVs and gaming systems can raise a bill $8-$15 per month. Keep them turned off or unplugged when not in use.
• Use the smallest appliance needed to cook – slow cooker, microwave or toaster oven  – and use one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-sized oven.
• Bake several dishes at a time, using the smallest appliance needed to get the job done. When dinner’s over, run a full dishwasher saving water and electricity.
• Clean the condenser coils of the refrigerator and freezer so it runs more efficiently. Make sure the door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper. If the paper pulls out easily, the latch may need adjustment.
• Use an outdoor grill instead of the oven to keep the kitchen cool.
• Clean the dryer's lint filter before every load to minimize drying time.
• The free Energy Checkup will provide a personalized energy usage report.
• The Appliance Calculator shows how much energy appliances use.
• For more ways to save, visit Savings Tips and Tools or Lower My Bill. 

Gulf Power is suspending disconnections and providing payment extensions for hardship situations while we are under a state of emergency. Customers are encouraged to pay their bill each month to avoid building up a large balance, for which they will continue to bear responsibility. Resources are available at GulfPower.com/help or 1-800-225-5797. 

Florida Department of Health in Escambia County 

• As of 4:30 p.m., April 15, Escambia County has had 260 positive COVID-19 cases. These numbers are expected to change daily due to the return of results from ongoing testing. For the most up-to-date information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Florida, visit the COVID-19 dashboard. The site is currently updated twice daily.
• One resident of Escambia County who has tested positive for COVID-19 has died, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 4.
• Florida residents are encouraged to take the COVID-19 Community Action Survey by visiting: www.StrongerThanC19.com.
• Use the COVID 19 testing self-checker to determine if you need to call your healthcare provider to be tested.
• Need extra support dealing with stress and coping during this time? Find a list of available resources at Escambiahealth.com.
• Guidelines on making and wearing cloth face coverings can be found at CDC.gov.

Veteran Benefits Administration
Veteran Benefits Administration Undersecretary Paul Lawrence will host a Tele-Townhall on Apr. 17, 3 p.m. CT with information on the VBA’s COVID-19 response, Solid Start, Blue Water Navy and Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP). There will be opportunities for questions. To join:

1. Dial 844-227-7557 about 10 minutes before 3 p.m.
2. Listen in on the VBA updates.
3. Ask questions during the call.