Escambia County COVID-19 Update #74

Updated at 3:30 p.m. April 28:
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.      

City of Pensacola
Mayor Releases Draft 'Recover Pensacola' Plan for COVID-19 Reopening in the City of Pensacola

• Mayor Grover Robinson released a draft "Recover Pensacola" plan on Monday, April 27, with a framework for reopening the City of Pensacola safely and beginning to restore the local economy and businesses impacted by COVID-19.
• The draft plan is subject to change based on guidance from the State of Florida, and it is designed to be easily amended to incorporate federal and state recovery guidelines. 
• To view the draft Recover Pensacola plan, visit cityofpensacola.com.
• The plan has three primary goals:
  • Keep the curve flattened
  • Keep the trend downward
  • Reopen businesses safely
• Through the phased reopening process proposed in the plan, progress can be halted or reversed based on a number of factors, including public safety impacts or healthcare system concerns. 
• Phase I includes reopening some city park facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts and playgrounds, along with outdoor seating at restaurants if allowed by the state. 
• The City of Pensacola will continue to follow any directives or executive orders issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis and will adjust this plan if necessary to remain in compliance. 

Mayor Robinson discussed the plan during his weekly press conference, which can be viewed here.

Community Health Northwest Florida Testing Site Information 

• Brownsville (Drive-through, walk-up) Community Center and Cantonment Pediatrics (Drive-through): BOTH require pre-screening before arriving by calling the Ascension Sacred Heart pre-screening call center at 850-746-2684.

• Mobile testing in specific areas/neighborhoods (whether drive-through or walk-up): Thus far, these testing events have NOT required any pre-screening, but please note that testing eligibility criteria will be decided on a case by case basis and is subject to change.
• Please note that any COVID-19 testing offered on location in designated neighborhoods/housing communities is limited to residents of the specific neighborhood/communities.

Escambia County 

• The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday, April 28, to reopen county public beaches to allow citizens access to all beach activities beginning Friday, May 1. Public county beaches, including the sound side, Gulf side, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, will open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset, daily.
• Pavilions, the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier and the area around and under the fishing pier will remain closed. Beach bathroom facilities will be closed and portalets will be used to maintain social distancing. Hand-washing stations will be provided. Dog parks will be reopened and permitted in designated areas.
• Beach goers are asked to limit groups to 10 people or fewer and to adhere to CDC social distancing measures by keeping a 6-foot distance between others who are not in their immediate household. 

Florida Department of Health in Escambia County 

• On Monday, April 27, 2020, the Florida National Guardsmen (FLNG) deployed to Escambia County to support Florida’s response to COVID-19. These Ambulance Strike Teams assisted in specimen collection efforts in long-term care facilities in Escambia County. Media questions relating to the FLNG and this response should be directed to [email protected] or 850-815-4940.
• As of 3 p.m., April 28, Escambia County has had 485 positive COVID-19 cases. This number is expected to change daily due to the return of results from ongoing testing. The best source for up-to-date information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Florida is the Florida Department of Health website and the associated Data and Surveillance Dashboard and Daily Report. The site is currently updated once daily, at around 3 p.m. ET
• The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Escambia County residents is 11 individuals.
• The Florida Department of Health (the Department) announced that the list of long-term care facilities in Florida associated with COVID-19 cases will now include active cases in each facility in order to provide real-time data. The list of long-term care facilities with active COVID-19 cases is available here.
• The Department is providing a report detailing surveillance data for every Florida county. Previously, this information was only available for select communities. The surveillance data report is available 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.
• 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.

• The IRS is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others – including health plans – affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). For information about IRS tax relief and economic impact payment information click here.