July 13, 2020
As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, Leon County Emergency Management is committed to actively monitoring the disease and coordinating preparedness efforts with local health officials, healthcare providers, first responders and other critical emergency response functions.
The following update provides a timely, accurate and vetted source of official County and community information.
Significant Changes Since Last Update
- EPA Approves First Surface Disinfectant Products Tested on the SARS-CoV-2 Virus: Throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has worked to provide the American public with information about how to safely and effectively kill the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, on surfaces. On July 6, EPA approved two products, Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA Reg No. 777-99) and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist (EPA Reg No. 777-127), based on laboratory testing that shows the products are effective against SARS-CoV-2. “EPA is committed to identifying new tools and providing accurate and up-to-date information to help the American public protect themselves and their families from the novel coronavirus,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “EPA's review of products tested against this virus marks an important milestone in President Trump’s all of government approach to fighting the spread of COVID-19."
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Extended Through August: On July 4, President Trump signed legislation (S. 4116) reauthorizing the Paycheck Protection Program through August 8, 2020. Enacted in March as part of the CARES Act, the $669 billion program has approved more than 4.8 million loans totaling more than $520 billion and supporting over 51 million jobs to date. The extension of the program through August will make available the remaining $134 billion to small businesses and qualifying entities. Learn more about the PPP here.
- Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) distributes cloth face coverings to businesses. Beginning Tuesday, July 7, face coverings are available at OEV, Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, and the Capital City Chamber of Commerce. A business with one location is eligible for up to 100 face coverings. Local businesses with multiple locations are eligible for up to 200 face coverings. For FAQs regarding the distribution of masks to businesses, click here.
- Office of Economic Vitality (315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 110, Tallahassee, FL, 32301) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce (300 E Park Ave., Tallahassee, FL, 32301) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Curbside pickup only at the TalChamber Carport
- Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce (1028 E Park Ave., Tallahassee, FL, 32301) – By appointment only, call 850-577-0789 or by email at info@mybbmc.org
- Capital City Chamber (1020 Lafayette St., Suite 110, Tallahassee, FL, 32301) – By appointment only, call 850-329-8955
- Walk-up reservation system available at the FAMU-Bond COVID-19 testing site at the Bragg Stadium. FDOH launched a mobile application for walk-up patients to submit their names and mobile numbers so as to later that day be notified when they can report for a sample collection. The reservation system will help patients beat the heat by waiting in their cars with air conditioning, and also limit any possible transmission when queuing in lines. The system complements the by-phone reservation process.
- Pixel by LabCorp offers at home coronavirus testing option. Originally approved in late April, at that time the at-home collection kit was only available to healthcare workers and first responders. Recently, that restriction was lifted and now LabCorp has made the COVID-19 collection kit available broadly. This at-home collection kit comes at no cost to those with Capital Health Plan, other insurance policies, and the uninsured (federal CARES money defrays the cost). More here.
- County offering free face coverings for pickup at all Libraries. Starting Wednesday, June 24, Leon County will make thousands of free face coverings available for pickup at all County library locations during regular hours. Two face masks per individual will be allowed to ensure adequate supply to meet demand. For locations and hours click here.
- It’s Not Too Much to Mask Campaign. Leon County launched the social media campaign, It’s Not Too Much to Mask to encourage the use of masks and facial coverings in public. If you’d like to participate, post a masked-up selfie and share why you wear a mask and for whom using #MaskOnLeon.
- COVID-19 by the Numbers. Global cases of COVID-19 now surpass 12.9 million. According to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) there are or have been 2,395 positive cases of COVID-19 in Leon County. In Florida, there are or have been 282,435 positive cases of COVID-19, and 4,277 COVID-19-related deaths. These numbers are updated regularly by FDOH; visit the dashboard for more detailed information, here.
Click below to access more COVID-19 information:
As you may have noticed, we are no longer including the entire community update in this message. Instead, we have organized all of the information from previous community updates in a COVID-19 Information Portal. Below you will find the content available on the portal.
Continue to follow www.LeonCountyFL.gov/eip for any local updates or changes to services.
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