Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Glades County Monitoring Impacts Of COVID-19

Moore Haven, Florida -- Bob Jones sent a message this week saying "Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of residents and employees. We are closely monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 as the situation is evolving quickly the county is actively reviewing various scenarios and how it might affect the public, employees and operations."

"As of this morning, there is no confirmed COVID- 19 cases in Glades County. The Public Safety Department is in contact with the State Florida Department of Health and the Division of Emergency Management."

"The county has not declared a State of Local Emergency, County Commissioners are updated daily. Public buildings have been disinfected and undergo daily cleaning. No county facilities have been closed."

You are the key to avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19 with good personal hygiene.

Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC.gov) or the Department of Health ( FloridaHealth.gov)

Monday, March 16, 2020

Glades County Schools Suspend Operations

Glades County School District Suspends Operations in Response to Coronavirus
All staff will report to work on Monday, March 23, 2020.

MOORE HAVEN, FL. (March 16, 2020) - The Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education has directed all public schools in Florida to be closed for two weeks inclusive of their Spring Break. In adherence to this state mandate, Glades County School District will be CLOSED to all students Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 27th. GCSD students and staff are on Spring Break this week, therefore the second week of closure will be next week.

FSA testing will be delayed by at least two weeks. All field trips, sporting events and extra-curricular activities including YMCA, are cancelled during the closure.

During the school closure custodial staff will be completing further deep cleaning of school sites. All staff will return to work on Monday, March 23rd to begin preparations should the schools stay closed longer than expected. Further information for staff will be sent in a separate communication.

District personnel will continue to monitor this rapidly changing situation and will follow Florida Department of Education directive. The District is thankful to GCSD family for their patience and flexibility with the ever-changing situation related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

“While there are so many unknowns, it is not going to stop us from doing what is best for our students, staff and community.” Kim Jordan, Glades County Superintendent of Schools adds “Our desire is to be sensitive to the emotional well-being of our students while keeping them safe during these complicated times.”

Future updates will be made via social media, phone call-outs, and website postings.

Hendry Regional Medical Update

Clewiston, FL -- News from Hendry Regional Medical Center:

· HRMC suspends all elective surgical procedures. This does not affect emergency surgery.

· HRMC cafeteria closed to general public.

· Medical Records: Visitors may obtain copies of their medical records Monday – Friday from 9:00am-11:00am or by appointment only at the Outpatient Imaging Department. Individuals who wish to obtain medical records must complete an authorization form to release personal health information and provide a valid photo ID. Medical Records Department 863-902-3095.

· Imaging Services: Non-emergency imaging services and procedures are being rescheduled until April 13th.

CDC Advises Canceling Events - Avoid Crowds

The CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.

This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus. This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials.

Editors note: Grocery stores are narrowing hours now; Walmart open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Publix closing at 8 p.m. This may increase the number of people in stores at one time, necessitating caution as you shop in crowded venues.

Photo: B. A. Whelan

Sunday, March 15, 2020

39 New Coronavirus Cases In Florida

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Health has announced 39 new positive cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Earlier today, the Florida Department of Health confirmed the death of a 77-year old male in Lee County who had previously tested positive for COVID-19. Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis sent a letter to Health and Human Services requesting the release of 61 Florida residents from Georgia, many of whom are elderly, who were previously aboard the Grand Princess voyage outside of California.

To keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the virus, the Department is issuing regular updates as information becomes available.

New Positive CasesA 55-year old female in Clay County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 79-year old female from Connecticut has tested positive for COVID-19 in Baker County. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. The epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
A 72-year old female in Lee County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 60-year old female in Citrus County has tested positive for COVID-10. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A male in Duval County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. Further details to follow.
A 64-year old female in St. Johns County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 71-year old male in Volusia County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 48-year old female in Orange County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 70-year old male in Clay County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A male in Duval County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. Further details to follow.
A 47-year old male in Hillsborough County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a domestic travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 67-year old male in Pasco County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a domestic travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 32-year old female in Hillsborough County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a domestic travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 17-year old male from Cuba has tested positive in Hillsborough County. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. The epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
A male in Duval County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. Further details to follow.
A 28-year old male in Miami-Dade County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 58-year old female in Miami-Dade County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 25-year old female in Miami-Dade County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 62-year old male in Miami-Dade County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 74-year old male in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 48-year old female in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 19-year old female in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 19-year old female in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 65-year old male in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 20-year old female in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 42-year old male in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 52-year old male in Miami-Dade County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 65-year old female from New York has tested positive for COVID-19 in Alachua County. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. The epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
A 63-year old female in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 19-year old female in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 30-year old male in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 60-year old male in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 20-year old female in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 19-year old female in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 66-year old male in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 83-year old male in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 20-year old female in Broward County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 76-year old male in Collier County has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.
A 28-year old male in Collier County has tested positive for COVID-19. This is a travel related case. This individual is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.