Escambia County COVID-19 Update #83

Updated at 10:30 a.m. May 4:
Please reference the prior updates and Escambia County COVID-19 Update #11 for a prior comprehensive running list. View an updated list of how to access county services here.  This update only includes new information we have received. Weekend updates will be distributed only when there is new information.       

Escambia County

• Join District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh at his virtual 39th Coffee with the Commissioner event Wednesday, May 6. The live stream will take place from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Guests will include Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley, Escambia County Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore, local entrepreneur, Michael Silver with Paint University, and Rusty Branch, Executive Director of Escambia County Destination Marketing Organization. Branch will be speaking about what’s ahead for economic recovery in the areas of tourism and the hotel industry.

Florida Department of Health in Escambia County

• As of 10 a.m., May 4, Escambia County has had 595 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 13 individuals.
• The Florida Department of Health 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.  

• Delivering healthcare in rural communities presents unique challenges that have always required coordination and innovation. Now, more than ever, it is essential that rural communities and healthcare providers have access to the resources they need to combat COVID-19.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports rural communities through targeted rural programs, as well as a broader set of state and local funding programs. The department is also a key provider of healthcare coverage.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture plays a key role in federal rural development efforts in the area of agriculture, and beyond. In terms of rural health, this department can finance the construction of hospitals, implementation of telehealth programs, as well as health education initiatives and food access and distribution.
• This webinar will provide an overview of the rural health focused efforts by HHS and USDA and highlight specific tools and resources to help combat COVID-19. Register for the webinar here.