Current Events

Use these health databases to find articles and fact sheets about coronavirus.

• Governor De Santis has signed a new executive order announcing Phase II of reopening effective June 5th.  You can read the order here and find the answers to frequently asked questions here.
• Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in Florida, all those working, living, visiting, or doing business in Orange County are required to wear a Face Covering consistent with the current CDC guidelines while in any public place.  You can view the executive order here and view the FAQ page for the order here.. Details on how to create and properly use these masks is available from the CDC.
• The Florida Department of Education has issued an order for schools to reopen in the fall.  The full order can be read here.  Details of how Orange County Public Schools will be handling reopening can be found on the OCPS website.
• The State Surgeon General has issued a Public Health Advisory encouraging those in Florida to wear a face covering in situations where social distancing is not possible.  It also discourages gatherings of more than 50 people.  You can read the full advisory here.
• Check local responses to the virus and latest recommendations on the Florida Department of Health website, the Florida Governor's website, the Orange County Government website, and the City of Orlando website.
• As part of the Federal CARES Act, local small businesses can apply for grants at http://www.ocfl.net/OrangeCares.
• Check the current cases of COVID-19 in the US on the CDC website and cases in Florida on the FDOH 's Florida COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.
• The Florida Department of Health has established a COVID-19 Call Center to answer general questions residents and visitors may have. The phone number is 407-723-5004. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Residents can also email questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov
• Residents of Orange County Florida can also call 407-723-5004 with questions or concerns.

(Last updated 8/3/2020)

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.  COVID-19 is a new strain that originated in Wuhan, China and has spread around the globe. Common signs of infection have appeared 2-14 days after exposure and include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Person-to-person spread has been confirmed and is thought to occur mainly through people in close contact with one another (within about 6 ft) via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or exhales.  Currently the Florida Department of Health recommends you protect yourself and others with frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your face, wearing a mask in public, and social distancing.*

• If you are sick and exhibiting symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, you should seek treatment with your primary care physician or urgent care center.  It is recommended that residents call their provider before visiting their clinic.  Check the Orange County newsroom for latest updates on local health care. 
• Those suspecting they may be sick with the virus should follow the CDC's guidelines. ​
• Multiple testing sites are open in Orange County  Check the Orange County government page for testing criteria, a location map, and updates. 
• The CDC website has a comprehensive list of symptoms associated with COVID-19 and includes an interactive self-checker that can help you decide when to seek medical attention if you suspect you may be sick.
• To reduce your risk of becoming ill, follow these guidelines shared by the CDC.
• There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available, however research is currently ongoing.  Check the WHO website for updates.
• Answers to more common questions on COVID-19 can be found on the CDC questions and answers page.

*Information on COVID-19 was obtained from the CDC, WHO, FDOH, and John Hopkins Medicine websites.

Get up to the minute updates on COVID-19 with state and national Twitter feeds.

• The Department of State is currently recommending that U.S. citizens avoid all international travel.
• Many countries are requiring mandatory quarantines on arrival and you may be required to quarantine upon return to the US.  Some countries are also currently restricting the entry of travelers from the US.  Further details can be found on the CDC website page for travelers.
• Florida is requiring visitors from states with high community spread to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to Florida.  To find out if your state is included, or if you have other questions about precautions for visitors, consult the Visit Florida website.
• Before deciding to travel nationally or internationally, the CDC is advising that you take the considerations listed on their website into account.