5/11/20 COVID-19 UPDATE: Your local health department is here to assist you with questions related to COVID-19 (new coronavirus).
GULF TESTING NUMBERS STATUS Number of COVID-19 tests so far: 178 Number of negative tests: 177 Number of positive tests: 1 Please note: The demand for the testing and designated laboratory, may cause a slight delay in reporting as reflected on the Florida COVID-19 Dashboard. (CONDUCTED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT)
Florida Department of Health in Gulf County: 850-227-1276 Florida Department of Health in Franklin County: 850-653-2111 There is also a hotline available at 866-779-6121 or email
COVID-19@flhealth.gov. PHASE 1: PLAN FOR FLORIDA’S RECOVERY On April 30, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order Number 20-112, Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Stepby-step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery. This extensive order covers updates on medical, vacations, travel, businesses, and activities. To view the complete order, see: EO 20-112.
On May 11, 2020 the Governor issued Executive Order 20-120 which authorized barbershop and salons to provide routine services for customers.
MENTAL HEALTH COVID-19 have you feeling STRESSED/ANXIOUS/DEPRESSED/UNSURE? NEED SUPPORT? CALL 850-270-8911, available 9-5pm EST. If you are in need of immediate mental health services call one of the agencies below available 24/7: • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) • SAMSA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 or the Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741-741 • Florida Blue launched a 24-hour, free emotional support helpline for all Floridians. Any Floridian – even if uninsured or insured by another plan – can call 833-848-1762 for support in managing feelings of stress, anxiety, grief or fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Counselors cannot provide information on COVID-19 testing or treatment.
CLOTH FACE COVERS/MASK The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. It is important to note that these face coverings: • 1. Are not surgical or N-95 respirators, which continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and medical first responders, and • 2. The use of cloth face coverings does not mean we can remove previously set social distancing measures.
TESTING Call your health care provider first or if you are symptomatic to determine the need for testing. If a person thinks they have COVID-19, they should call their health care provider before going to their office so the provider can take precautions to prevent exposing other people. In some cases, they are going to meet you in the parking lot. It’s just a precaution. We are really trying to keep our healthcare workers safe. Other patients safe. Review your signs, symptoms and travel history with your physician. Your physician will evaluate you for other possible causes of respiratory illness and also contact the county health department to coordinate COVID19 testing.
CHD EXPANDED TESTING PLAN On Wednesday, May 13th from 9am to 3pm EST, public drive-thru testing will be held at Salina’s Park located at 302 Cape San Blas Rd. in Port St. Joe. Individuals must be 18 years or older to be tested. Please remain in your vehicles. Symptoms are NOT required for testing. For more information, call 850-227-1276.
PANCARE TESTING SITE IN PORT ST. JOE AND EASTPOINT PanCare Health has lifted COVID-19 testing restrictions and is now offering testing to both symptomatic and asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) persons. PanCare will test anyone in the following category whether they display symptoms or have no symptoms: • Healthcare facility workers • Residents in long-term care facilities • Persons 65 years of age and older • Persons with underlying conditions • First responders People who do not meet the above requirements must have symptoms (cough, fever ≥100.4, or shortness of breath) in order to be tested. Testing will be provided at no cost to the person being tested. If a person has insurance, they will bill the insurance for testing and write off any portion not covered. PanCare Health’s COVID- 19 response line team is available at (850) 215-4181 Monday-Friday 9:00a – 4:00p to conduct phone screenings.
ANTIBODY TESTING For questions about antibody testing, contact the Florida Department of Health: Gulf (850) 227-1276. CDC information about antibody testing can be found using this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/testing/serology-overview.html
ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND VACATION RENTALS EXTENDED On April 29, the Governor signed Executive Order 20-112, extending Executive Order 20-87 (prohibition on vacation rentals) and Executive Order 20-91 (essential services). This order went into effect May 4, 2020.
FORECLOSURES & EVICTION RELIEF On April 2, the Governor also issued Executive Order 20-94, providing targeted, temporary relief from certain mortgage foreclosures and evictions for 45 days, without relieving an individual’s obligation to make mortgage payments and rent payments.
REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM On April 2, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-93, directing the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and other executive agencies to take necessary actions to improve DEO’s Reemployment Assistance Program.
FOOD PANTRY LOCATIONS • 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month-WIG Community Center, 401 Peters St., Port St. Joe • Farm Share distribution will be May 18th at 4:00pm. Drive-thru pick up on a first come, first serve. • Second Harvest of the Big Bend: 2nd Saturday of each month, Honeyville Community Center, 240 Honeyville Park Road. Next pickup: May 9th from 10:00 AM – 12 Noon. (3 family per vehicle limit – all families do not have to be present to receive food. Please, no children. Prepare for long wait times. Please ensure trunk/bed of vehicle has space available. Do not get out of your vehicle. Lower tailgates/lift trunks prior to turning in).
PIGGLY WIGGLY PSJ is open 6am to 10pm, 7 days a week and is now offering ONLINE shopping. Visit
www.DurensPigglyWiggly.com. Starting 4/2/20 at 1:30 pm, there will be a limit of 50 customers inside the store at a time. They are asking people to shop alone when possible to support social distancing in the store. **If you are over the age of 65 or have a suppressed immune system, Duren’s Piggly Wiggly is dedicated to keeping you safe. If you do not feel comfortable coming into the store, can’t use the online service, or DO NOT HAVE ANYONE THAT CAN SHOP FOR YOU, please call 850-229-8398, ask for Ron, and they will shop for you.
PHARMACY UPDATES Effective immediately, all BUY RITE DRUG Pharmacies will be operating via drive-through only.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE The Sheriff’s Office is no longer allowing visitors in the lobby. Office staff will remain at work and will be accessible by telephone and email.
LIBRARIES Both Gulf County libraries are closed until further notice. Please call or visit NWRLS.com to place holds on library items which are available for curbside pick-up on Tuesdays 10-4 in Port St. Joe and Thursdays 10-4 in Wewahitchka.
ASCENSION SACRED HEART Online urgent care is available through Ascension Online Care at a discounted $20 with the code HOME. You can have a video visit with a doctor without leaving your home. Visit
http://ascension.org/onlinecare to start your visit.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT In order to promote social distancing and discourage gatherings of 10 or more people, the health department is asking all clients to call the front desk at (850) 227-1276, before entering the lobby. We’re here for you! Give us a call to discuss curbside pickup for birth control, medications, or emergency contraception.
CLEANING AND DISINFECTANT SAFETY The daily number of calls to poison centers increased sharply at the beginning of March 2020 for exposures to both cleaners and disinfectants. To reduce improper use and prevent unnecessary chemical exposures, users should always read and follow directions on the label, don’t mix chemicals, wear protective gear, use in a wellventilated area and store chemicals out of the reach of children. For more information you can contact the Poison Control hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6916e1.htm?s_cid=mm6916e1_w
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RECENTLY TRAVELED TO AN AREA WITH AN OUTBREAK OF COVID-19? If you are returning from an area with an outbreak of COVID-19, the CDC is recommending you self-isolate for 14 days immediately upon returning from your travels, even if asymptomatic (no symptoms). Follow the CDC steps to help protect other people in your home and community:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-youare-sick/steps-when-sick.html
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath during those 14 days, contact your health care professional and mention your recent travel. Your provider will work with the health department to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. If you have had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from an impacted area, you should call a health care professional and mention your close contact and their recent travel.
STAY INFORMED: To get the latest information, visit FloridaHealth.gov and follow on Social Media: Florida Department of Health: Twitter @HealthyFla -or- Facebook Florida Department of Health (DOH) Gulf/Franklin County Community Health Improvement Partners: Facebook Gulf/Franklin County Community Health Improvement Partners
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