Pinellas County is participating in local coordinating meetings with the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas, which is the local lead agency on COVID-19 (part of the coronavirus family), to share information with county residents.
As of this morning (March 2, 2020), the Florida Department of Health has identified two presumptive cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the state of Florida: one in Hillsborough County and one in Manatee. Both cases have been referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing and the individuals been placed in isolation care.
For any questions about COVID-19 (coronavirus), current situation updates and safety tips, people should visit the CDC website (www.CDC.gov) and DOH website (www.FloridaHealth.gov/covid-19) or call the local office of the state health department at 727-824-6900.
COVID-19 (coronavirus) is a respiratory virus that is transmitted like the flu and symptoms can include: fever, cough and shortness of breath.
The CDC recommends the following steps to keep you and your family safe: • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. • Refer to CDC website before traveling overseas to identify areas of outbreak concern. (link to CDC website) • If you are returning from any of these areas, residents are asked to self-isolate for 14 days. (refer to DOH website) • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. o CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. o Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility). • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. o If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
