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 #53 - Fri., July 31

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

Santa Rosa County
  • Beginning Mon., Aug. 3, residents may pick up cloth face masks at all county libraries (see locations and hours). For more details, call 981-READ (7323).
  • District 4 Commissioner Dave Piech will host a virtual town hall via Zoom the first Tuesday of every month. The next virtual town hall is Tues., Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. Those planning to attend should register online. Attendees are encouraged to email questions in advance to district4@santarosa.fl.gov. 
  • Consultant VisionFirst Advisors presented a conceptual framework for CARES Act allocation to the board. To date, $8,040,299 (25%) has been distributed to the county. The board also voted to receive $1,632,668 from the Housing Coronovirus Relief Fund. 
  • The Florida Department of Health provides a detailed list of COVID data by county. This info changes daily. Santa Rosa County begins on page 111.
  • See also the Santa Rosa County COVID dashboard.
  • 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.
  • The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents and visitors, particularly those at high risk, to wear masks in public and continue social distancing in accordance with the Florida State Surgeon General.
  • Citizens are encouraged to continue to use alternative options to conduct business with the county including services online, by phone, by dropbox or by appointment for business as much as possible and are asked not to enter county offices if exhibiting symptoms of the virus.
  • Facilities are disinfected daily and splash guards have been installed and the county will continue to follow the governor’s executive orders and the CDC guidelines of social distancing until further notice, however everyone has a role in the ensuring the county is as safe as possible to remain open.

Testing
  • Last week the SRC BOCC approved the CARES Act framework which includes contracting with Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital to establish two testing sites to test up to 300 people per day, five days a week. 
  • All individuals wanted to be tested MUST CALL the Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart Screening Call Center at (850) 746-2684 in advance. The appointment-based testing is the most efficient use of time, helps avoid waiting for hours in line and provides for quicker (as soon as 48 hours) turnaround.
  • Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart was the first organization in the area to begin widespread testing for the coronavirus. Since March 16, Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart's drive-thru testing center has provided nasal swab tests to more than 20,000 people in the area.
  • No out of pocket cost or copay  will be collected but bring photo ID and any insurance cards as insurance will be submitted.
  • Santa Rosa County/Ascension Sacred Heart weekday testing sites:
    • Milton Community Center - Mon., Wed. and Fri., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
      5629 Byrom St. in Milton

    • Tiger Point Community Center - Tues. and Thurs., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m
      1370 Tiger Point Rd. in Gulf Breeze
  • Testing is subject to change due to inclement weather.

  • Testing will be nasal swabs.

  • This is not a test for antibodies. 
  • Remain in your vehicle for the duration of the process. 
  • More details. 

  • State testing site at UWF (daily):
    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)
Information on state and county testing sites:
  • No out of pocket cost or copay will be collected but bring photo ID and any insurance cards as insurance will be submitted.
  • Testing is subject to change due to inclement weather.
  • Testing will be nasal swabs.
  • These are not tests for antibodies. 
  • Remain in your vehicle for the duration of the process. More details. 

Santa Rosa County School District
Please visit their web site for the latest information: www.santarosa.k12.fl.us/bts2021

Student registration information is available online including the:
  • Reopening plan
  • Student learning options
Contact BackToSchool@santarosa.k12.fl.us with specific questions.
Santa Rosa County Health Department
Santa Rosa DOH has masks available for individuals or businesses at 5527 Stewart St. in Milton or 5840 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. in Gulf Breeze. Call 850-564-2307.

WEAR FACE COVERINGS
All individuals in Florida should wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in any setting where social distancing is not possible, both indoors and outdoors, unless any of the following apply:  
  • A child is under two years of age.
  • An individual has 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
  • Businesses and organizations are encouraged to require individuals who enter the premises to wear a face covering.
  • Refrain from participating in recreational gatherings of more than 10 people.
  • For gatherings of less than 10 people, wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
  • 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.
  • 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

Supervisor of Elections Office
  • There are three ways to vote in Florida: by mail, early or on Election Day.
  • The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed to the registered voter's address is Aug. 8.
  • Early voting begins Aug. 3 in Santa Rosa County. 

Information regarding COVID-19:

  • For in-person voting options including early voting and Election Day, voters are encouraged to follow the latest CDC guidelines and be mindful of others. Masks are also encouraged. 
  • Voters may bring a black or blue ball point pen to fill in the ballot.
  • The number of occupants in the polling room may be limited. Polling rooms will be spaced for social distancing. Voters are encouraged to maintain social distancing.
  • Due to increased safety measures, in-person voting may take longer than usual. Voters are encouraged to be prepared in order to minimize time spent in the polling place.
    • Residential address should be correct, call the elections office to update if needed.
    • Study and make decisions on voting preferences before arrival (bring a sample ballot).
    • Have photo and signature identification ready.

For more information, call the Santa Rosa County Elections Office at (850) 983-1900.


OneBlood
  • Everyone who is physically capable of donating plasma or blood is urged to do so every 60 days during the pandemic. The need for blood is a constant, and convalescent plasma from recovered COVID patients is being evaluated as a treatment for those with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID infections. Donations can be scheduled online at OneBlood.org. The public is reminded not to present to donate if presenting flu-like symptoms including a fever or cough.
  • 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.

See also:

  • County Office Openings, Closures and Hours

  • SantaRosaReady.com (assistance for business owners)

  • Florida Governor's Executive Orders

  • Florida Department of Health

  • COVID-19 dashboard (scroll to Santa Rosa County for local information)
    • COVID-19 webpage
    • COVID-19@flhealth.gov
  • 211 Northwest Florida 

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