Covid-19 Corona Virus Information and Update March 13th, 2020

Wakulla County E.O.C. Emergency Management COVID-19 (Corona Virus) Update and Information

While there are currently no confirmed cases in either Wakulla or our surrounding counties it is important for you to know that Wakulla County Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Health in Wakulla County are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating appropriately with all county agencies and key partners. The Florida Department of Health is the lead agency for this public health emergency and Wakulla County Emergency Management serves in support or our local health experts.

This Afternoon Governor DeSantis at the recommendation of the Florida Department of Health urged the Cancellation or postponement of large events and mass gatherings statewide. Wakulla County Emergency Management recommends that out of an abundance of caution to protect our citizens and help combat the spread of COVID-19 event organizers follow the Governors recommendation for any upcoming large events in our community.

Recent actions that have been taken in Wakulla County:

· Eden Springs Nursing home has restricted all visitation to their facility to those critical to operations as of March 11, 2020

· The Wakulla Wonderful Celebration has been postponed

· The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and event in the park has been cancelled

State Actions:

· The COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7: +1 (866) 779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov

· FSU, FAMU and TCC have all made the decision to shift from in person classes to remote classes March 23 - April 5th. Spring Break begins March 14th

· Following Executive Order 20-52, Attorney General Ashley Moody activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline for all consumers in the state: 866-9NO-SCAM

· The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has suspended visitation at all correctional institutions statewide

We continue to ask that you also take the following precautions to protect yourself, your employees, and your community:

• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.

Now is the time for our residents and businesses to prepare, the following websites contain additional information that you can utilize to better prepare yourself and your agency:

FL COVID-19 Updates: http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditi…/COVID-19/

FDOH Educational Material: http://www.floridahealth.gov/…/COVID-19/covid19-toolkit.html

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html