Case counts
The Florida Department of Health announced one additional positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Thursday.
The individual is a 42-year old male in Miami-Dade County. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. This is a travel related case and is associated with exposure to an international traveler.
This latest positive COVID-19 case was tested in a Florida Department of Health lab. The Department of Health is now including results from private laboratories in these daily reports, which brings the state total to 42.
Nursing home restrictions
On Wednesday, at Governor DeSantis’ direction, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz issued an Emergency Order temporarily restricting visitation to nursing homes, assisted living facilities (ALFs), adult family-care homes, long-term care facilities and adult group homes.
By restricting visitation, the state is taking proactive measures to limit the potential of COVID-19 entering those facilities. This order has been issued in recognition of the fact that the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. This is also consistent with directions given by the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
People who will now be restricted from visiting nursing homes, ALFs, adult family-care homes, long-term care facilities and adult group homes include:
- Any person infected with COVID-19 who has not had two consecutive negative test results separated by 24 hours;
- Any person showing or presenting symptoms of cough, fever, shortness of breath, or sore throat;
- Any person who has or may have been in close contact with a person(s) infected with COVID-19 who has not tested negative for COVID-19 is prohibited from visiting a facility until 14 days after their interaction with the person(s) who is infected with COVID-19;
- Any person who traveled internationally is prohibited from visiting a facility until 14 days after their return to the United States;
- Any person who traveled on a cruise ship is prohibited from visiting a facility until 14 days after their return to the United States;
- Any person who has been in a community with confirmed community spread of COVID-19, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or a state public health agency, is prohibited from visiting a facility within 14 days of their presence in the community with community spread; or
- Any person who resides in a community with confirmed community spread of COVID-19, as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or a state public health agency, is prohibited from visiting a facility.
City of Tampa
The City of Tampa launched a revamped web platform to communicate important public health information related to COVID-19.
This resource can be accessed at tampagov.net/COVID-19 and contains information related to general risk updates, coronavirus symptoms and risk factors, travel information, FAQs, local, state, and federal resources, and more.
As more information becomes available regarding the impact of coronavirus in Tampa, the City will update this site to keep residents informed.
“The safety of our residents is our number one priority,” says Mayor Jane Castor. “We want to make it as easy as possible for our residents to find the information that they need to stay safe and stay informed. Tampa is currently at a low-risk level for coronavirus, but this outbreak is still evolving every day and we can’t be complacent. We all have to do our part to prevent the spread of germs and protect ourselves, so that we can protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”
In addition to visiting this online resource, the city also encourages residents to text TAMPAREADY or TAMPALISTA to 888-777 to receive real-time text alerts related to COVID-19 and other emergencies.
The Florida Department of Health has a COVID-19 Call Center available 24/7 at 1-866-779-6121 or those with questions/concerns can email [email protected].
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