Escambia County COVID-19 Update #76

Updated at 3:30 p.m. April 29:
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 

• Join Representative Andrade and Commissioner Bender for a Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, April 29 at 6 p.m. CT. Please feel free to provide feedback or questions in the comments section of the post. 
• Did you miss the virtual 37th Coffee with Commissioner Jeff Bergosh this morning? The live stream took place from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Guests included Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley, Escambia County Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore, Sam Parker Santa Rosa County District One Commissioner and Nathan Boyles Okaloosa County District Three Comissioner. Watch it here.
• Did you miss the virtual 38th Coffee with Commissioner Jeff Bergosh this morning? The live stream took place from 9 - 9:30 a.m. Guest included U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz. Watch it here.
• Escambia County continues to allow food trucks to park in the Equestrian Center parking lot, located at 7750 Mobile Highway, for residents to purchase take-away food 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The parking lot is a large grassy area and provides ample room for residents to adhere to all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention social distancing protocols. Trucks will be spaced out in the lot and patrons are asked to keep 6 feet of distance between individuals and to limit gathering to groups smaller than 10.To participate as a food truck vendor, call 850-941-6042 for a vendor application. All Equestrian Center vendor fees will be waived.

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 2 p.m., April 29, Escambia County has had 496 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.

• Pensacola Gulfside pier will reopen Saturday, May 2.
• Pier hours - open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset.
• Pier will be accepting fishermen only. No pedestrians at this time.
• Fisherman must be 6 ft. apart.
• The pier will be clearly marked with 6 ft markers to ensure everyone is able to follow the social distancing guidelines.
• Once pier is at full capacity, new fishermen will be admitted as spots become available with fishermen leaving.
• A sign posted at the Bait and Tackle shop has the requirements for pier usage.
• A phone number is posted at the Bait and Tackle shop to alter pier management of noncompliance by fishermen. Noncompliance will end your fishing for the day.
• Two porta potties at the base of the fishing pier ramp will be for the use of the fishermen.

• 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.