News Release: Public Information Office, 850-983-5254
Reduce the spread. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds. Maintain 6 feet of distance from others. Wear a mask in public.

COVID-19 Update #51 - Tue., July 14

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See our full list of information at www.santarosa.fl.gov/covid19.

Santa Rosa County
  • Effective immediately, development services is asking all customers to coordinate interactions with staff by appointment only. The south end office is closed until further notice. Development services is working towards an online appointment scheduler. Until it is live, call (850) 981-7000 to schedule an appointment at either of the two locations. Small permit submissions can be emailed to srcpermits@santarosa.fl.gov.
    • Submissions may continue to be dropped off at the drop boxes at both locations and staff will place items in the pick-up boxes if notified prior to arrival.
    • Members of the public are encouraged (not required) to wear a mask when entering a county facility. Masks will be available at the entry point of both locations.
    • Citizens exposed to COVID-19 or experiencing a fever and/or a cough are asked to not enter the offices.
  • Santa Rosa Economic Development is asking businesses to complete a short survey to help determine the best way to support needs utilizing the CARES Act funding for Santa Rosa County business community. The survey can be completed at www.santarosaready.com.
  • The Thurs., Aug. 6 tourist development council meeting has been cancelled. TDC meetings will resume in September. 
  • County departments will coordinate customer service and citizen interactions by appointment only, whenever possible.
  • To keep libraries safe for both patrons and staff, the Santa Rosa County Library System is implementing the following changes beginning Mon., Jul. 20:
    • Library Facilities
      • Patrons may enter the library for computer use only.
      • Browsing is not allowed at this time to help slow the spread and ensure patrons receive physical library items in the safest way possible.
      • A limited number of computers will be available to allow for social distancing.
      • Computer sessions are limited to one hour with no extensions. Reservations are available but not required.
      • Masks are strongly encouraged; a limited number of masks are available for patrons to use.
      • Visit the library system’s website for free online resources, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, databases, and more.
      • Meeting rooms remain closed until further notice.
      • All library materials must be returned via book drops.
      • No donations are being accepted at this time.
    • Curbside Service
      • Curbside pickup will continue.
      • Place holds for items online and get notified when they are ready for pick up.
      • Hours for curbside service and computer use are Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • As COVID-19 cases rise in Santa Rosa County, the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners and Emergency Management continue to work hand-in-hand with hospitals, cities, state government and the department of health. The commission and key staff are in daily contact with all stakeholders in the COVID-19 response and are closely monitoring hospital intakes and stand ready to address public health concerns locally.
  • See all of the governor's the executive orders online.

Testing
  • No appointment necessary and no prescreening required.
  • No cost or copay but bring insurance card.
  • Testing may be oral swabs or nasal swabs. This is not a test for antibodies. 
  • For questions, contact the Department of Health (850-564-2307).
  • Santa Rosa County DOH testing sites:
    No need to call the health department when arriving at either testing site. DOH-Santa Rosa staff will be on site to direct traffic. Participants will remain in the vehicle for the duration of the testing process. More details. These sites are available until further notice:
    • Milton Community Center
      Wednesdays | 8:30-11:30 a.m.

      5629 Byrom St, in Milton
    • Community Life United Methodist Church
      Thursdays | 8:30-11:30 a.m.

      4115 Soundside Dr. in Gulf Breeze
  • Santa Rosa/Escambia state testing site:
  • University of West Florida parking lot SP2 (near the East Sports Complex)
    Daily | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Adults 18 and over only)
    11000 University Pkwy., Pensacola (map)

Santa Rosa County School District
More information. Contact BackToSchool@santarosa.k12.fl.us with specific questions, but understand that as guidance from the state and the CDC changes, so too will this information.
Santa Rosa County Health Department
Santa Rosa DOH has masks available for individuals or businesses that need them at 5527 Stewart St. in Milton or 5840 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. in Gulf Breeze. Call 850-564-2307.

WEAR FACE COVERINGS
Per the Surgeon General's health advisory, all individuals should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible, unless any of the following is applicable:
  • A child is under two years of age.
  • An individual has one or more medical conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing a face covering.
  • An individual is obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.
  • An individual works in a profession where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession.
  • An individual is engaged in outdoor work or recreation with appropriate social distancing in place.
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS
  • Maintain a distance of six feet from others in any social situation.  
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, frequently with an appropriate cleaner. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website maintains a list of products determined to be effective against COVID-19.
  • Refrain from participating in recreational gatherings of more than 50 people.
  • For gatherings of less than 50 people, wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
  • If you are coughing, sneezing or feverish, stay home and call your physician.
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Individuals over the age of 65 and of any age with health conditions that put them at higher risk of complications from the disease are especially vulnerable. These include:
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Moderate to severe asthma
  • Serious heart conditions
  • Anything that compromises the immune system, such as poorly controlled HIV/AIDS, treatment for cancer, bone marrow or organ transplant
  • Diabetes
  • Renal failure
  • Liver disease

OneBlood
  • OneBlood web site is testing all blood donations for the COVID-19 antibody. The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the donor has antibodies, regardless of whether they showed symptoms. 
  • Appointments to donate are required.
  • Do not donate if you are not feeling well or have a fever. 

Feeding Programs
There are many feeding programs in the county where residents can pick up enough food for a family of four for at least a week. See the calendar for a complete schedule or map of closest location.
There are no restrictions on who may utilize this program.

Summer meals for age 18 and under
Summer meals for kids up to 18 are available through Feeding the Gulf Coast.
  • Magnolia Crossing Apartments, 4312 Magnolia Crossing Circle in Pace
    Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • My Father’s Arrows, Inc., 4025 Hwy. 178 in Jay
    Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Isiah Chapel AME Zion Church, 5038 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in Milton
    Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Baptist Health Care
  • Baptist Health Care has revised its visitation policy. Effective Wed., July 15 at 5 a.m., no visitors will be permitted at Baptist, Gulf Breeze and Jay Hospitals, Baptist Towers and all Baptist Health Care medical parks, urgent care centers and physician offices. Visitor exceptions will be made for end-of-life situations, critical caregivers and essential support persons.
  • The visitation policy includes limited entry doors. All patients and authorized support persons entering any Baptist Health Care location must wear a mask, be screened and have a temperature check. They should allow extra time upon arrival for this screening. Screening stations are set up at select entrances of all locations.
  • Detailed information about the policy is available online.

See also:

  • County Office Openings, Closures and Hours

  • SantaRosaReady.com (assistance for business owners)

  • Florida Department of Health

  • COVID-19 dashboard
    • COVID-19 webpage
    • COVID-19@flhealth.gov
  • 211 Northwest Florida 

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