Escambia County COVID-19 Update #100

Updated at 10:30 a.m. May 14:
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.         

Community Health Northwest Florida

• Drive-through testing (walk-ups will be accepted as needed) in Warrington on Friday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. at Good Hope AME Church, 208 Gulf Beach Highway. No pre-screening required. Testing is free and available for all ages, newborn and up. Bring photo ID card and insurance, if insured. Escambia County residents only.

• The Escambia County School District Food Service Department wants to remind families that school meals will continue to be provided via curb-side service, until May 22, 2020.  Families should make plans now to switch to an alternative summer community feeding location.  Alternative feeding programs are currently available through a number of local organizations.
• Families are encouraged to locate an alternative summer community feeding location by going to summerbreakspot.freshfromflorida.com, and entering a home address.  This website provides a map showing feeding sites nearby.  Families without internet access can call 2-1-1 or text FOODFL to 877-877 for assistance as well.
• “Since closing schools due the pandemic, ECSD Food Service staff members have served over 157,000 meals; from muffins and yogurt, to cheeseburgers with fresh vegetables,” notes Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas. “Thanks to all of the Escambia School District Food Service employees who have provided this valuable service to our students and families during such a challenging time.  They reacted quickly to find an efficient new way to serve meals, with additional safety measures necessary to protect students, families and co-workers,” said Superintendent Thomas.
• For information about Escambia County public schools go to: ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com Like ECSD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ecsdfl.

Governor's Press Office

• Yesterday, Wednesday, May 13, Governor DeSantis held a meeting at the Florida State Capitol with State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Mary Mayhew, Leading Age Florida President and CEO Steve Bahmer and Florida Health Care Association Executive Director Emmett Reed to discuss steps Florida has taken to protect the elderly and limit the spread of COVID-19 at long-term care facilities.
• View the Governor’s presentation here.  

Florida Department of Health in Escambia County

• The Florida Department of Health announced the launch of a new mobile app, StrongerThanC19. The free app, available for iOS and Android devices, complements the community action survey website of the same name that launched on April 3. These cutting-edge tools are giving residents the power to unite in the fight to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Florida.
• As of 10 a.m., May 14, Escambia County has had 671 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 19 individuals.
• The Florida Department of Health (the Department) releases a list of long-term care facilities in Florida associated with COVID-19 cases with active cases and number of deaths 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.  

University of West Florida 

• The Escambia County Health Department has confirmed one case COVID-19 in the UWF community, which is the first reported, confirmed case at UWF. The individual notified University officials of the positive test results on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. 
• The individual is an employee in Building 20E and has been working in the office during this time period. All employees that have had any contact with this employee have been notified by Human Resources. 
• We are working closely with the Escambia County Health Department, the Florida Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure all guidelines and protocols are diligently followed. The University is taking proactive measures to thoroughly clean and disinfect the building.
• These agencies will continue to monitor the treatment and health of the affected person. The University continues remote operations until further notice.
• Ensuring the anonymity of this individual is paramount. If you are aware of their identity, please respect their privacy so that they can focus completely on their health. The University is and will continue to do everything we can to support this individual through what is undoubtedly a disconcerting and difficult time.

UWF would like to make everyone aware of preventative measures to protect yourself. The CDC advises following these simple steps to prevent the spread of germs:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like heart problems and diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness.

• We encourage all campus community members to spend time reading about coronavirus at uwf.edu/coronavirus. 
• UWF officials will continue to communicate with the campus community as we learn more about COVID-19 and our current exposures.

• West Florida Public Libraries will cease fines until further notice.
• Returned library materials will be cleaned and held in isolation for 7 days.Meeting Room reservations are canceled through Aug. 30. If you have a meeting room booked and would like to reschedule, please call the applicable library branch.
• Library branch phone numbers can be found at mywfpl.com/visit/locations. Meeting rooms may still be used for library and government programming.
• Please check our website at mywfpl.com and social media channels for further updates.