Escambia County COVID-19 Update #59

Updated at 11:15 a.m. April 20:
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. Please note the change in negative test results. This number provided by FDOH is now only Escambia County collected and negative).

• As of 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 19, Escambia County area hospitals reported 220 total ventilators with 176 available, and 1,315 total beds with 582 available.
• REMINDER: The Escambia County Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant application portal is now open and accepting applications. Learn more and apply here.

• Waste Services: Solid waste collection is a critical and essential job as part of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic. The virus may survive for up to 24 hours on cardboard and two to three days on plastic, according to the World Health Organization. With a few simple steps, you can protect sanitation workers by reducing the possibility they will come into contact with potentially contaminated items:

  Recycling Drop-Off Locations

  • Escambia County provides recycling drop-off locations throughout the county (curbside recycling is available from the City of Pensacola and Emerald Coast Utilities Authority.) Typical materials accepted are glass, aluminum, plastics 1-7, cardboard and newspaper.
  • Recycling remains important during this time. The materials you put out for collection are turned into cardboard boxes, tissues, and paper towels-- items we need now more than ever.
  • Tissues, paper towels, wipes, masks, latex gloves, or any other sanitary or cleaning materials used to protect you from the Coronavirus should NOT go into recycling carts or bins (these items are never recyclable.)
  • Recycled materials are often handled by worked when sorted later.
  • Break down large cardboard boxes and cut them apart, if needed, to fit inside your recycling container or drop-off location container.
  • Recyclables that do not fit inside a container should not be put out.
  • Empty, rinse, and dry your bottles, cans, and other containers before you recycle them.
  • Food and liquids never belong in recycling.

  Visiting the Perdido Landfill

  • If you plan to visit the Perdido Landfill, please remember to keep at least 6 feet of distance between you, other customers and any employees, and unload your items in the correct area to avoid requiring staff to handle discarded materials more than necessary. And of course, always follow all safety rules regarding speed limits, cell phone usage and remaining near/in your vehicle.

Escambia County School District 

• On April 18, Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran recommended that all Florida public and private K-12 schools continue distance learning and keep school campuses closed through June 3, the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.
• Florida’s school districts have worked diligently with the Florida Department of Education to operationalize their distance learning plans by March 30, and FDOE provided that same support to public charter schools and many private schools, ensuring continuation of the best possible educational services throughout Florida. 
• In March, FDOE also announced the cancellation of spring 2020 state assessments, meaning that schools gained back instructional time that will allow local districts and schools to still end the school year based on their local calendars.

Feeding the Gulf Coast

• Quintette Community Park was scheduled to begin serving meals today, but sustained damage from severe weather Sunday evening and will not be operating today. A new opening date for this location will be announced soon. 

Florida Department of Health in Escambia County 

• As of 11 a.m., April 20, Escambia County has had 314 positive COVID-19 cases. This number is 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.
• The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Escambia County residents is 8 individuals.
• Currently there are 65 cases among residents or staff in long term care facilities. The Florida Department of Health has published the list of facilities here.
•  To view demographics of cases in Escambia County, visit the COVID-19 dashboard and select Escambia County. The following case data will appear: age, gender, race, and ethnicity.
• Florida residents are encouraged to do their part in helping Florida flatten the curve by anonymously answering questions that range from age and residency, to recent travel, to potential COVID-19 contact. The StrongerThanC-19 community action survey is designed to gather information to help the Department track and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Florida; it is not a symptom checker designed to dispense medical advice. The StrongerThanC-19 community action survey is free to use and can be accessed 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.