Updated at 2 p.m. May 5:
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.
Baptist Health Care
With a continued diligent watch over COVID-19 developments, Baptist Health Care is resuming services in a phased and structured approach to ensure the highest level of safety and care. Our teams look forward to welcoming back patients into our care and are taking every precaution to ensure safety.
- The following measures are in place to ensure patient and team member safety at all Baptist Health Care facilities:
- We continue to implement all CDC guidance and protocols as well as all state and federal safety requirements.
- We offer telehealth appointments with our primary and specialty providers so that patients can receive care anywhere.
- All team members are screened daily before reporting to work.
- We have limited the entrances at our locations so we can be sure to screen all patients and visitors and ensure people are wearing masks.
- Everyone who enters our facilities is screened for COVID-19 symptoms. For patients and visitors, this involves taking a temperature and answering questions about known COVID-19 symptoms.
- Universal masking is required. While at our facilities, all individuals must wear a mask. Patients and visitors are asked to bring a mask, but one will be provided if needed.
- We have developed designated COVID-19 hospital units and treatment areas that are distinct and separate from other hospital patient care areas. A designated team of hospital staff is specially trained in caring for COVID-19 patients.
- See-through shields have been placed at most check-in desks that serve as a protective barrier for when patients are being registered for appointments.
- We require social distancing in our facilities. We have accommodated this practice in our waiting and dining areas by spacing chairs apart and will be monitoring compliance.
- Our housekeeping/environmental services teams follow strict CDC infection prevention protocols and are working day and night to ensure our facilities are clean. All waiting rooms, restrooms and public areas are cleaned hourly using EPA-approved disinfectant. Surfaces are regularly tested to ensure cleanliness. We use UV disinfection to clean appropriate hospital rooms and clinical personal protective equipment.
- We are limiting the number of visitors we allow in our facilities. These guidelines vary at some locations and may change. The public should visit eBaptistHealthCare.org for ongoing updates.
- We encourage loved ones to communicate with hospitalized patients by mobile device, phone, FaceTime or Skype.
The Patient and Family Communication Team will work with patients and loved ones to identify and overcome any barriers that might prevent them from using technology to connect with their loved ones.
Community Health Northwest Florida
- Community Health Northwest Florida has rescheduled the COVID-19 walk-up testing for Gonzales Court for this Wednesday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Limited to Escambia County residents only.
Escambia County
- The fifth installment of our virtual story time is live! Join us as James Maddrey, EMS Chief for Escambia County reads "Duck and Hippo In The Rainstorm." Thank you author Jonathan London and illustrator Andrew Joyner for permission to share your story! Watch the full video here.
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Join District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh for his virtual Coffee with the Commissioner event tomorrow 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 2 p.m., May 5, Escambia County has had 598 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 14 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.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, Gulf Islands National Seashore is increasing recreational access in Florida. The National Park Service is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
Beginning on the dates listed below, Gulf Islands National Seashore will reopen access to:
- The Naval Live Oaks Area as of Saturday, May 2
- No restrooms
- The headquarters exhibit area will remain closed
- Santa Rosa Area, including Highway 399 on Wednesday, May 6
- Parking lots 33A and 36A along the gulf-side of Highway 399 will remain closed through the summer due to shorebird nesting
- Parking lots 34B, 34C, and 34D within the Opal Beach Complex will be opened
- All restrooms will remain closed
- Perdido Key Area on Saturday, May 9
- Shortened hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Restrooms will be open
- East pavilion is closed for repairs
With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:
- The Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, and Davis Bayou areas
- Petit Bois, West Petit Bois, Horn, and Ship islands, as well as, the NPS-owned portion of Cat Island
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Gulf Islands National Seashore, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.
While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services will be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/guis and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
