Escambia County COVID-19 Update #60

Updated at 3:15 p.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).

• REMINDER: The Escambia County Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant application portal is now open and accepting applications. Learn more and apply here. 

Escambia County School District 

• In accordance with the recommendation on April 18, 2020, by Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, all school districts in the State of Florida will remain closed for students until the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Instructional activities within the School District of Escambia County, Florida will continue to be implemented via the District’s Educational Continuity Plan for distance learning. The last day for instruction for all Escambia County students will be Friday, May 22, 2020.
• Employees will adhere to their established work calendars for ten, eleven, and twelve-month classifications. Employees will be paid their regular salaries through the end of the school year, as per their appropriate contract. Employees will continue to follow their work schedules as defined by their immediate supervisors.
• Students will receive grades for the fourth nine-week grading period, allowing grades for the 2019-2020 school year to be completed. The Escambia County School District will continue to provide additional assistance to parents and students by utilization of dedicated employees working remotely each school day.
• Designated school feeding sites will continue to distribute meals to students and families through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.  

• “The Senior Class of 2020 will be recognized for their hard work.  Steps are being taken to reschedule graduation ceremonies, but plans have not been finalized,” stated Superintendent Malcolm Thomas, “This depends on precautionary COVID-19 restrictions being lifted.  Tentative dates in June and July have been reserved for commencement exercises.”   

• Parents and employees are encouraged to monitor district media sources, including the district website.

• For information about Escambia County’s public schools go to: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/ Like ECSD on Facebook.

Florida Department of Health in Escambia County 

• As of 3 p.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.
•  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.