Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Information

Leon County COVID-19 Community Update for May 19

May 19, 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

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners this Thursday. Leon County will hold a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on Thursday, May 21, 3 p.m. via an online conferencing platform. During the meeting the Board will discuss the County’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other agendaed business. Submit public comment here.
Governor DeSantis announces continued reopening plans under Phase 1 effective Monday, May 18. Link to the Governor's presentation here. Click here to view the Executive Order for Full Phase 1. More information from the Governor's office here. Highlights include:

New requirement to test all staff at Florida’s long-term care facilities.
Restaurant capacity increased from 25% to 50% with proper physical distancing and possibly adding partitions.
Retail store capacity increased from 25% to 50%.
Museums and library capacity increased from 25% to 50%, noting library operations would be decided by local governments.
Gyms and fitness centers may reopen at 50% capacity with proper physical distancing and sanitization.
Sports facilities may reopen without crowds.
Theme parks can submit reopening plans to the state (requires local government endorsement).
Movie theaters remain closed.

Red Cross calls on community to sew homemade face masks for military and veterans. The Red Cross is calling on people across the country to connect with their local Red Cross office to help sew face coverings for military bases, veteran communities, military hospitals and veteran hospitals in need. For more information, please email Liz Smith SAF Regional Director – North Florida Region: Elizabeth.smith4@redcross.org. Completed face coverings can be delivered to your community Red Cross office, 1115 Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32311
Mental health support provided by 2-1-1 Big Bend. 2-1-1 Big Bend is available 24 hours a day to listen and provide emotional support, crisis counseling, suicide prevention and information/referrals. More here.
FAMU COVID-19 Testing Site extends operation through May 21. The testing site at Bragg Memorial Stadium will continue in operation until at least through May 21 and may be extended longer on a weekly basis. No physician referral needed. More here.
COVID-19 by the Numbers. Global cases of COVID-19 now surpass 4.8 million. According to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) there are 304 positive cases of COVID-19 in Leon County. In Florida, there are now 46,944 positive cases of COVID-19, and 2,052 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.

	Key Community Resources
	Coronavirus Guidelines - Federal Government
	Resources for Local Business
	Frequently Asked Questions: COVID-19 Testing
	Service Changes
	Consumer and User Protection
	Travel Restrictions and Guidance
	Households
	Schools
	Healthcare Providers
	Citizens Connect App
	Take Action and Stay Prepared
	Leon County Emergency Management's Role