Last week, the CDC issued its strongest endorsement yet for the widespread wearing of masks, explaining that masks protect both the wearer and those around them from COVID-19. Increasing mask usage by 15% could prevent the need for lockdowns and reduce associated losses of up to $1 trillion or about 5% of gross domestic product. Here are steps you can take to continue protecting your family’s health in the coming months.

Below are insights on the latest COVID-19 information, and more details on AdventHealth’s response efforts and community involvement.

Keeping You Safe – COVID-19 Update

AdventHealth Morning Briefing (Nov. 12, 2020) – Last week on the AdventHealth Morning Briefing, Dr. Steven R. Smith, AdventHealth’s chief scientific officer, offered insights into the COVID-19 clinical research trials and therapies underway in Central Florida.  “The only way we are going to get out of this pandemic is with a vaccine,” Smith said.

AdventHealth Research Institute is conducting hundreds of clinical trials and is also a testing site for the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson’s Phase 3 clinical research study, ENSEMBLE trial, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Janssen’s investigational COVID-19 vaccine candidate, JNJ-78436735, also known as Ad26.COV2.S. 

Smith said AdventHealth is looking for 4,500 participants in Central Florida and up to 60,000 nationwide to take part in the ENSEMBLE trial and suggests results may be available during the first quarter of 2021. For information on how to sign up go to AdventHealthVaccineTrials.com.

Click here to view the entire episode.

COVID-19 Exposure Education for Parents and Students – If you or your child have recently had a known exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, AdventHealth Centra Care is here to help with information on what to do and when to get tested. Learn more here.

If Someone in Your House Has the Coronavirus, Will You Catch It? – More than 50% of Americans who lived with someone with COVID-19 became infected within a week, indicating household transmission is common and quick. Many who contracted the virus were asymptomatic when their infections were detected. Many index patients did not self-isolate, even after illness onset. To curb household coronavirus transmission, wear masks and self-isolate at the onset of symptoms, when testing after a high-risk exposure, or at time of a positive test result. More details here.

Keeping You Informed

WholeMe Genomic Study Enrollment Resumes – After a pause in recruitment due to COVID-19, AdventHealth has resumed seeking volunteers for “WholeMe,” a first-of-its-kind DNA study in Florida to screen 10,000 people for the genes linked to familial hypercholesterolemia, known as “FH.” FH is a life-threatening genetic condition that causes high cholesterol and can lead to cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, even in young adults.  Participants can also learn about their ancestry traits and personal genetic traits. Learn more here.

Teachers Are Incredible – Join AdventHealth as we celebrate our teachers and educational support staff throughout Central Florida. We invite you to nominate a teacher, administrator, counselor, bus driver or school team member who has gone above and beyond during these difficult times.  One educator per school district will win an amazing Florida staycation!  The nomination period runs through December 11. Prizes vary by county. To nominate an educator, visit any of our AdventHealth Central Florida Facebook pages based on the educator’s associated school district.

Supporting Each Other in the Time of Coronavirus – Staying mentally, physically healthy in a time of coronavirus means supporting each other. The Daytona Beach News Journal included an op-ed by David Ottati, AdventHealth’s CEO for the Central Florida North Region. Ottati highlighted the importance of mental health and ways that AdventHealth is support organizations that can serve as a lifeline to our neighbors who are struggling right now.“… it’s at times like these that community is so important. If we keep each other in our prayers and do all we can to love our neighbors, I know we can get through it. I know we’ll be OK again.” – Ottati shared. Read the full op-ed here.

Important Resources

We encourage you to use the following resources for your top COVID-19 questions and concerns:

  • Back to School Resource Hub – AdventHealth is prepared to support schools, daycares, parents, and caregivers as we navigate the new normal. BackToSchoolResourceHub.com is a new website dedicated to providing helpful resources for back to school concerns and important information regarding COVID-19.
  • AdventHealth Safe Business Program – AdventHealth is here to help as a trusted health care provider committed to safely care for Central Florida. We are working with local businesses to help them safeguard their employees and customers and continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Helpful tips can be found at AdventHealthCFLSafeBusiness.com.  
  • If you have questions about COVID-19 or wonder if you should be tested, call the free AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUS-HQ (877-847-8747). You can also find information at www.CoronaVirusSignsAndSymptoms.com.
  • Donation Hub – For ways you can help, including sending notes of encouragement to our caregivers, as well as virtual volunteering opportunities, please click here.
  • Mental Health – If you, your family, or colleagues, are in need of emotional help during this uncertain time, the Heart of Florida United Way 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line is connecting residents with information about available resources in the Central Florida community. Whether it’s finding out the location of the nearest food pantry or seeking information related to the virus, 211 Call Specialists are there to help.
  • Virtual Visit Options – AdventHealth Virtual Visits are available now for primary care, pediatrics and specialty care, as well as physical therapy. In the comfort of your home, you can speak with a medical provider by a video visit or phone call.
  • Health Coverage Support – If you or someone you know has recently lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19 crisis, free help is available from certified navigators through the Primary Care Access Network at CoveringCFL.net.
  • Convalescent Plasma Need – AdventHealth is actively recruiting potential plasma donors and currently has supplies to meet all treatment requests. Convalescent plasma is one of the important resources our physicians are using to help COVID-19 patients recover. Please visit OneBlood’s website and donate plasma if you qualify.