Escambia County COVID-19 Update #77

Updated at 10 a.m. April 30:
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 

• Escambia County will follow Executive Order 20-111 and Executive Order 20-112, announced yesterday by Gov. DeSantis. Executive Order 20-111 and Executve Orders 20-112 extend Executive Orders 20-87 (vacation rental closures) until further notice. Executive Order 20-111 and Executive Order 20-112 continue to permit the essential services and activities described in Executive Order 20-91. See what's included in the executive order here.
• At the request of the Governor’s office, the direction of the Florida Department of Emergency Management with the support of the Florida Department of Health, Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties are pleased to announce a new mobile testing site at the University of West Florida that will open to the public on Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The drive-through test site will be located at the SP2 parking lot, which is on the east side of campus, near the East Sports Complex. Individuals are asked to remain in their vehicles, and pre-screening is not required. The National Guard will be there to assist. Friday will be a dry run open to Escambia and Santa Rosa County first responders from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

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 10 a.m., April 30, Escambia County has had 506 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.

• Governor Ron DeSantis announced Phase One of his Reopen Florida Plan with an executive order. 

  Phase One goes into effect Monday, May 4 with the following restrictions:

  • Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year
  • Restaurants can provide outdoor dining with six foot spacing and up 25% indoor capacity
  • Retail establishments can operate at 25% indoor capacity
  • Bars, gyms, and personal services such as hair salons are still closed
  • Vacation rental ban remains in effect

  The Florida Chamber has provided a helpful Question and Answer document about Phase One Reopening here. 

  You can read Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order here. 

  You can also read Florida’s Safe Smart Steps for Reopening provided by Governor Ron DeSantis here. 

• 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.