Governor DeSantis Speaks in Tallahassee with an Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Written by Kristen Schmutz – Belden Communications

Governor Ron DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Jessica Nunez, and Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees spoke to the public this morning with updates on the Coronavirus and its effect on Florida.

The Governor and his team wanted it to be made clear that at this time there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in Florida. “The State of Florida is fully committed to prepare and respond to the Coronavirus,” DeSantis said.

All flights from China have been re-routed to eleven international airports to allow for the CDC to be able to test for COVID-19, but no airport in Florida is on that list. Because of this precaution, the CDC considers Florida to be low risk.

Lieutenant Governor Nunez said that our fully integrated county health departments are best prepared to manage this at the local level. CDC and Department of Health protocols are currently in place with healthcare professionals and that anyone who believes that they have contracted COVID-19 can be evaluated at any local hospital.

State officials want the public to know that COVID-19 can only be contracted from an infected individual. Symptoms are similar to the Flu starting with a cough and sneezing. The elderly and those with underlying medical conditions will have the highest complications with COVID-19 and should seek medical attention immediately.

The best way to combat the spread of the virus will be to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, wash your hands thoroughly, and if you’re sick stay home, drink plenty of fluids and control your temperature.

Surgeon General Dr. Scot Rivkees elaborated that this is a new virus, and that “a vaccine is in the works, but it is at least a year away.”

The CDC, Department of Health, Health and Human Services, and State Officials gave a multi-faceted strategy that will be implemented, in the event of a reported case of COVID-19:

For Individual/Linked Cases:

• Receive medical care needed

• Isolate to stop the spreading of the virus

For Widespread or Multiple un-linked Cases:

• Community-Based Strategies will be implemented

• Avoiding group activities/meetings.

For more information and updated information regarding COVID-19, the Governor and his team are urging the public to visit 

http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/