Escambia County COVID-19 Update #80

Updated at 3:30 p.m. May 1:
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 held a virtual press conference via Microsoft Teams on Friday, May 1 at 9 a.m. Topics included: An overview of the Governor's Executive Orders, what the orders mean for the county and an update on the newly reopened beaches. Participants included County Commissioners Robert Bender and Doug Underhill, County Administrator Janice Gilley, Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Rhodes and Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore. Watch the press conference here.

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 3:30 p.m., May 1, Escambia County has had 532 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 12 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. 

• On Friday, May 1, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that beginning May 4, Florida State Parks will re-open access to trails, and some day use areas, including some beach access with limited facilities. Visitors will be asked to practice proper social distancing and to limit group size to 10 or less and to stay six feet apart.
• The selected reopened state parks will have limited facilities. Reopened beach areas allow visitors access to active recreation only. This includes walking, jogging, swimming and fishing. No sunbathing, chairs, canopies or coolers are allowed in beach areas at this time.
• Reopened parks will resume normal operation hours of 8 a.m. to sunset, with the exception of beach areas. Access to beach areas will have reduced daily hours that may vary locally along with reductions in visitor capacity to ensure social distancing. Visitors should check the Department’s website at www.floridastateparks.org for the latest information.
• Compliance with social distancing requirements and approved activities will be enforced and failure to comply with proper social distancing or approved activities may result in law enforcement action or park closure.
• For a complete list of open parks and available amenities, please visit www.floridastateparks.org.