In a recent interview, Dr. Alric Simmonds Jr., AdventHealth Chief Health Equity Officer and Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth Celebration shared his thoughts on the COVID-19 vaccine. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is “a wonderful medical breakthrough,” says Dr. Simmonds. He also addressed the importance of getting vaccinated as it is major step towards herd immunity for the community. Watch the full video here.

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’s Outpatient Clinics Offer Pioneering Therapies for High-Risk COVID-19 Patients – To help COVID-19 patients who are at high-risk of becoming very sick from the virus, AdventHealth has opened three outpatient clinics across Central Florida to provide another innovative treatment: monoclonal antibody therapies. These monoclonal antibody therapies can help keep COVID-19 patients from getting so sick they need to be admitted to the hospital or become intubated in the intensive care unit. Community members with questions about monoclonal antibody treatments can call the AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUS-HQ (877-847-8747) or click here.

AdventHealth Safe Work Environment for Small Businesses – Last week, Dr. Tim Hendrix, medical director of AdventHealth’s CentraCare and Gaby Ortigoni, President of The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando discussed how to keep a safe work environment during the pandemic as part of a Facebook LIVE. Watch the video here.

US Warns Against Travel To 80% Of World – The State Department on Monday urged Americans reconsider any international travel they may have planned and said it would issue specific warnings not to visit roughly 80% of the world’s countries due to risks from the coronavirus pandemic. The advice issued by the department isn’t a formal global advisory. Instead, it says the State Department will start using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards as it prepares health and safety guidelines for individual countries. Because of those standards, about 80% of countries will be classified as “Level 4” or “do not travel.” More details here.

Half of US Adults Have Received At Least One COVID-19 Shot – According to a recent AP News article,130 million adults have received at least 1 vaccine dose, or 50.4% of the adult population. The U.S. cleared this milestone as the global death toll topped 3 million, although the actual number is believed to be significantly higher. More details here.

Keeping You Informed

AdventHealth Opens Palm Parkway ER in Dr. Phillips – Residents of Dr. Phillips have a new option for emergency care with the opening of the AdventHealth Palm Parkway ER. The emergency room expands the health care system’s network to better serve residents in southwest Orange County, as well as the many visitors who visit the area annually. The approximately 19,000-square-foot facility has 24 patient rooms (including two pediatric-friendly rooms to make ER visits less stressful for young patients); respiratory therapy; diagnostic imaging, including CT scans, X-ray and ultrasound; and a full-service laboratory. More details here or Watch this video to learn more.

Important Resources

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

  • Coronavirus Vaccine Alerts – Those who wish to be notified when additional vaccines might be available can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.
  • Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub – AdventHealth launched a Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub and includes everything from FAQs, latest news and information on the AdventHealth vaccine team and our scientific committee. Visit www.CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com to learn more about the vaccine.
  • School Resource Hub – AdventHealth is prepared to support schools, daycares, parents, and caregivers as we navigate this new normal. SchoolResourceHub.com is a 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.