The State of Florida Issues COVID-19 Updates

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The State of Florida is responding to COVID-19. In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware regarding the status of the virus, the Florida Department of Health will issue this update every day, seven days per week.

Governor Ron DeSantis is in constant communication with Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz and State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees as the State of Florida continues to monitor and respond to the threat of COVID-19.

Today, Governor DeSantis held a press conference at Lee Health to discuss the recent efforts that the State of Florida has taken to respond to COVID-19. Governor DeSantis announced that as the state continues to focus on testing, more resources are being made available, including antibody testing.

To help individuals that have been hospitalized with serious COVID-19 symptoms, the Governor announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has included Florida in a second-round of remdesivir shipments. Doses of remdesivir will be distributed to hospitals statewide as requested.

Governor DeSantis also announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma has approved greater flexibility and reimbursement for hospitals providing inpatient services to long-term care residents. This federal flexibility is crucial to support Florida facilities working to combat COVID-19.

Recent actions the state has taken to respond to COVID-19:

  • The Agency for Health Care Administration issued Emergency Rule 59AER20-2 and Emergency Rule 59AER20-3. These rules require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to grant access to the Florida Department of Health or their authorized representative for the purpose infection prevention and control, including mandated COVID-19 testing of both on-duty and off-duty staff when arranged by the Department.
  • To date, 80 percent of parks have been partially opened. To continue social distancing and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, each open park has unique procedures in place, which are detailed on the Safety Updates page and specific park pages. For the latest information on State Parks and trails, visit the website here.
  • Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (ORCP) managed areas have also been initially re-opened which includes remote access trails, beaches and boat ramps at the Research Reserves. Islands, beaches and submerged lands withinthe Aquatic Preserves are being re-opened in a manner that is consistent with local ordinance. For information on the status of ORCP managed lands, visit our website here.
  • Today, DEP extended the Emergency Final Order (EFO) that grants a 30-day extension to the deadline for its regulated facilities to submit routine paperwork and reports through Sunday, May 31.
  • Approximately 2,449 Florida National Guardsmen (FLNG) are mobilized to support Florida’s response to COVID-19.
  • FLNG has expanded its support to mobile testing teams and community-based and walk-up test sites. To date, the FLNG has assisted in the testing of more than 174,160 individuals for the COVID-19 virus.
  • The Florida Department of Transportation is leading the coordination of the Department of Health and the Florida Highway Patrol to implement Executive Order 20-86. To date, more than 25,600 traveler forms have been collected at the I-10 and I-95 checkpoints. To date, more than 29,200 traveler forms have been collected at public use airports across the state.
  • Today, additional CareerSource Florida boards are resuming in-person services by appointment:
    • CareerSource Okaloosa Walton  
    • CareerSource North Central Florida  
    • CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion  
  • Volunteer Florida announced the availability of $300,000 in AmeriCorps Planning Grants to support organizations interested in implementing an AmeriCorps program that addresses a critical community need caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations interested in applying for this planning grant should respond to the notice of funding by Thursday, June 18 at 5 pm (ET).

Additional actions the state has taken to respond to COVID-19:

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

  • To date, the Florida Department of Health has reported more than 1,000 contact tracers who are assisting with COVID-19 efforts across the state.
  • DOH announced that the list of long-term care facilities in Florida associated with COVID-19 cases will now include active cases in each facility in order to provide real-time data. The list of long-term care facilities with active COVID-19 cases is available here. 
  • DOH is providing a report detailing surveillance data for every Florida county. Previously, this information was only available for select communities. The surveillance data report is available here.
  • At the direction of Governor DeSantis, State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees declared a Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 in Florida.
  • Governor DeSantis announced that the state ordered an additional 2,500 test kits to supplement the adequate resources already available to test for COVID-19. These additional test kits will enable the Department of Health, working with Florida health care providers, to test up to an additional 625,000 individuals. The Governor also suspended non-essential in state and all out-of-state travel for state employees for 30 days.
  • DOH established a public call center for questions regarding COVID-19. The call center launched Monday, March 2, and is open 24/7.
  • DOH established mechanisms for monitoring and coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding epidemiological activities.
  • DOH distributed CDC Interim Guidance for public health personnel evaluating Persons Under Investigation (PUI) and asymptomatic close contacts of confirmed cases at their home or non-home residential settings to CHDs.
  • DOH approved and disseminated an updated Clinician Screening Tool for identifying COVID-19 PUIs.
  • DOH implemented testing at all three State Public Health Laboratories.
  • DOH distributed updated laboratory guidance regarding implementation of testing at State Public Health Laboratories.
  • DOH has worked to implement additional private lab testing.
  • DOH has developed and disseminated pandemic planning guidance. 
  • Advised CHDs and HCCs to retain expired personal protective equipment until further notice.
  • DOH is continuing support for long-term care facilities with REST teams. DOH strike teams have completed assessments for 3,874 long term care facilities to determine immediate unmet needs and promote appropriate infection control practices.
  • DOH strike teams are continuing to respond to long term care facilities with COVID-19 positive patients.
  • In an effort to increase testing, Governor DeSantis has directed Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees on an emergency temporary basis to allow licensed pharmacists in Florida to order and administer COVID-19 tests.
  • DOH is working with Florida’s Board of Pharmacy and Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation on mobile pharmacy compliance guidance.

FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

  • The Florida Division of Emergency Management has launched a website to track the mobile lab that is testing long-term care facilities across the state. The mobile lab can test up to 3,500 individuals per week and supports rapid testing, with results available same day. The website is available 
  • To date, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has sent the following PPE to support health care workers and first responders:
    • 25,000,000 masks
    • Nearly 10,000,000 gloves
    • 1,600,000 face shields
    • More than 1,000,000 shoe covers
    • More than 400,000 gowns
    • More than 200,000 containers of hand sanitizer
    • 85,000 goggles
    • 37,000 coveralls
  • For long-term care facilities alone, the Division has sent:
    • 10,000,000 masks
    • Nearly 1,000,000 gloves
    • More than 500,000 face shields
    • 160,000 gowns
  • At the direction of Governor DeSantis, the state has established 12 drive-thru and 10 walk-up testing sites across the state, with more coming online. More than 100,000 people have been tested at these sites. Floridians can find a site near them here.
  • Find more information on DEM’s response to COVID-19 here. 

FLORIDA AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

  • The Agency for Health Care Administration issued Emergency Rule 59AER20-2 and Emergency Rule 59AER20-3. These rules require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to grant access to the Florida Department of Health or their authorized representative for the purpose infection prevention and control, including mandated COVID-19 testing of both on-duty and off-duty staff when arranged by the Department.
  • At the direction of Governor DeSantis, AHCA issued Emergency Rule 59AER20-1 on May 5 requiring COVID-19 testing by hospitals of all patients, regardless of symptoms, prior to discharge to long-term care facilities.
  • AHCA sent out an email to nursing homes requiring the transfer of residents with verified or suspected cases if these facilities cannot appropriately isolate and adhere to the CDC recommendations for COVID-19 response.
  • AHCA issued a provider alert announcing additional flexibilities within the Medicaid program made at the direction of Governor DeSantis. Authorization requirements and services limits for medically necessary behavioral health care for are now waived.
  • On April 14, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) issued Emergency Order AHCA 20-002 to temporarily suspend nursing home and Intermediate Care Facility assessment payments for March 2020 to help alleviate financial burdens. This EO suspension aims to alleviate financial burdens incurred at these facilities due to COVID-19.
  • AHCA has created a new temporary Personal Care Attendant program to help long-term care facilities fill staffing shortages. The program provides an 8-hour training on assisting with direct care so that personal care attendants can temporarily perform additional duties.
  • AHCA has been working with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to ensure current Medicaid recipients maintain benefits during the state of emergency. Medicaid application deadlines have also been extended.
  • AHCA has made on-site visits to more than 900 long-term care and residential facilities since the onset of the COVID-19 emergency. Additionally, AHCA has made over 5,000 telephone calls to residential providers statewide to assess infection control and prevention strategies, ensure county health department and local emergency operations center contact information are up to date, and assess supplies (specifically PPE.)
  • Find more information on AHCA’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

  • Per the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) request, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Florida’s waiver to permit the state to launch a pilot project that will allow families to purchase groceries online with their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card beginning April 21, 2020.
  • Under Governor DeSantis’ direction, DCF has temporarily increased SNAP recipients’ benefit amount to the maximum monthly allotment based on household size through May 2020.
  • DCF worked with DOH to develop precautionary protocols for child welfare professionals and adult protective investigators who may have to make in-person visits to ensure the safety of those vulnerable populations.
  • Find more information on DCF’s response to COVID-19 here. 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

  • The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has distributed cloth face coverings to all correctional officers and inmates at correctional institutions statewide.
  • FDC is closely aligned with the CDC Interim Guidance on Management of COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities.
  • New inmate commitments from county jails undergo additional screening and 14-day quarantine before placement within the general population.
  • FDC has suspended visitation and volunteer programs at all correctional institutions statewide.
  • Find more information on FDC’s response to COVID-19 here. 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

  • To comply with federal law, beginning May 10, 2020, individuals with Reemployment Assistance claims will be required to return to the CONNECT system every two weeks to request their benefits. For more information, click here.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements for claimants through May 30, 2020.
  • The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program that provides unemployment benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida’s state Reemployment Assistance program is available. Eligibility includes independent contractors, gig workers and individuals who are self-employed. Working Floridians who have been impacted by COVID-19 and believe they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, can visit org and select “File a Claim” to apply and be considered for PUA. Individuals may also call 1-833-FL-Apply (1-833-352-7759) for any questions they may have.
  • Beginning April 20, DEO will provide updates on the efforts made to address the challenges to Florida’s Reemployment Assistance program in response to COVID-19. This includes a new State Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboardthat will be updated daily to reflect the total number of Reemployment Assistance Claims submitted, verified, processed and paid.
  • DEO announced more than 1,000 small businesses have been awarded more than $49 million from the Florida Small Emergency Bridge Loan program. 
  • The Business Damage Assessment survey is activated and continues to accept surveys to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations and determine the appropriate actions for recovery. Click here to access the survey.
  • Find more information on DEO’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

  • The Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Early Learning, in coordination with local early learning coalitions, has prioritized and increased access to childcare services for first responders and health care professionals by creating an expedited referral process to swiftly provide priority access.
  • Florida College System institutions and private institutions across the state have donated more than 130 ventilators typically used in medical training programs to local hospitals, community medical centers and other facilities.
  • Since April 1, 2020, when DOE announced the waiver of certification exam fees, more than 31,000 educators have signed up to take the Florida Teacher Certification Examination using the waiver. This translates into over 62,000 actual exam registrations for a savings value of more than $8 million for Florida educators.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced that 32,614 laptop computers are being distributed to 34 mostly small, rural school districts throughout Florida and the Florida A&M University Developmental Research School.
  • DOE has delayed the deadline for teacher certification requirements and offered a fee waiver for testing. More than 22,000 teachers have taken advantage of the fee waiver so far.
  • The Florida Virtual School has created the Online Learning Community with engaging and informative content for teachers and parents of K-12 students.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran recommended that all Florida public and private K-12 schools continue distance learning and keep school campuses closed through June 3, the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. DOE has compiled dozens of free distance learning resources on its emergency response page here. 
  • Find more information on DOE’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS

  • The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) provided technical assistance to AAAs regarding shopping assistance, meals, service delivery, telephone reassurance, and the Restaurant Meal Initiative.
  • Pursuant to Executive Order 20-52 issued by Governor DeSantis, DOEA issued Emergency Order 20-01 on March 31 pertaining to in-person guardian visitation requirements where COVID-19 response and mitigation measures prevent such visits.
  • DOEA issued Guidance in furtherance of Order 20-01 on March 31 for Public and Professional Guardians to remain in compliance with Florida Statute 744.361(14).
  • DOEA has created a dedicated webpage to provide resources on COVID-19 including: tips for caregivers, information on closures of senior centers and adult day care centers, and alternative services for congregate meal sites.
  • Find more information on DOEA’s COVID-19 response here.

ENTERPRISE FLORIDA

  • Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) conducted regional calls with stakeholders across the state this week to identify ideas for long-range economic recovery.
  • EFI suspended initial fees for its Microfinance Loan Guarantee Program to support Florida’s small business community impacted by COVID-19. Interested businesses must apply through a local lender. For further information please contact your lender or visit Enterprise Florida’s website.
  • See resources compiled by EFI for businesses impacted by COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • To date, 80 percent of parks have been partially opened. To continue social distancing and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, each open park has unique procedures in place, which are detailed on the Safety Updates page and specific park pages. For the latest information on State Parks and trails, visit the website here.
  • Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (ORCP) managed areas have also been initially re-opened which includes remote access trails, beaches and boat ramps at the Research Reserves. Islands, beaches and submerged lands within the Aquatic Preserves are being re-opened in a manner that is consistent with local ordinance. For information on the status of ORCP managed lands, visit our website here.
  • Today, DEP extended the Emergency Final Order (EFO) that grants a 30-day extension to the deadline for its regulated facilities to submit routine paperwork and reports through Sunday, May 31.
  • Find more information on DEP’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES

  • At the direction of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued an Emergency Order extending all Florida driver licenses, commercial driver licenses and identification cards that expire March 16 through May 31, 2020.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting with the implementation and enforcement of Executive Order 20-86 at the direction of Governor DeSantis.
  • Pursuant to Executive Order 20-52 issued by Governor DeSantis, FLHSMV Executive Director Rhodes has waived commercial truck hours of service regulations and other related regulations so that emergency supplies, equipment, commodities and resources can be moved more quickly and efficiently throughout the state.
  • Find more information on FLHSMV’s COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION

  • The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-06M providing guidance on the use of technology to help combat the spread of COVID-19, including encouraging insurers to broaden access to care for telehealth services, and requesting Pharmacy Benefit Managers to transition to an electronic audit process in order to avoid unnecessary risk and maintain social distancing.
  • OIR has issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-05M reminding insurers of applicable statutes regarding workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurers are expected to comply with all of the provisions of Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law.
  • OIR has issued