Current Events

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

• Governor De Santis signed an executive order announcing Phase III of reopening effective September 25th.  You can read the order here.  Please be aware that the Orange County Government mask mandate and social distancing guidelines are still in effect.
• Due to the number 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 Health is urging Floridians to get their Flu shots as soon as possible to reduce risk of possibly getting a severe case of COVID-19 and to reduce the future load on healthcare resources.  Visit the FDOH webiste for more information.
• Free rapid testing is now available in Orange County at Barnett Park.  Please the Orange County testing map for more information.
• Orange County Public Schools have reopened.  Details can be found on the OCPS website.
• 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, residents can apply for financial assistance 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 11/16/2020)

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 first appeared in Wuhan, China and has since 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 government Coronavirus webpage 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 vaccine currently available, however multiple vaccines are currently undergoing testing and approval by the FDA.  Check the CDC website and FDA 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.

• 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 US Department of State website and the CDC website page for travelers.
• For information on traveling to Florida during this time, consult the Visit Florida and Florida Department of Health websites.
• Before deciding to travel nationally or internationally, the CDC is advising that you take the considerations listed on their website into account.