ECSO Won’t Be Arresting People For Violating Stay-At-Home Order. ‘We Are Not In The Middle Of Martial Law,’ Sheriff Says
April 2, 2020
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office won’t be making arrests or traffic stops for violating the stay-at-home order issued Wednesday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, but instead the department will focus on large group gatherings.
“‘It’s pretty much business as usual. So again, everybody calm down. You’re not going to be arrested for leaving your home,” Sheriff David Morgan said Wednesday. “You’re probably not even going to be stopped and questioned.”
“The bottom line is that we are not going to be doing traffic stops or roadblocks, because there are so many exemptions,” Escambia County Chief Deputy Chip Simmon told NorthEscambia.com. The governor’s order and associated documents contain pages and pages of essential services and other exemptions to the stay-at-home policy.
The governor’s order did specify that “senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition (such as chronic lung disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised status, cancer, diabetes, severe obesity, renal failure and liver disease) shall stay at home.”
Morgan and Simmons said that is really good guidance that should be followed, but it too does not prevent people from leaving their homes.
“We are not in the middle of martial law. You are not going to be arrested for leaving your home. No one is telling you you can’t leave your home,” Morgan said.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will be paying particular attention to the section of the order that prevent social gatherings of more than 10 people in any public space.
“We will look closest at the group gatherings,” Simmons said. “We may stop and say disperse.”
To read the governor’s order and see the exemptions and essential business types, click here.
FHSAA Looks At ‘Creative Solutions’ To Finish Spring Sports Seasons
April 2, 2020
It’s seemingly very unlikely that students will return to Florida high schools in time to finish spring sports, but the Florida High School Athletic Association is looking at “creative solutions” just in case.
The FHSAA said that spring sports could continue through June 30.
“The FHSAA does understand the hardships caused by COVID-19 and the inability to play spring sports. If we are not able to continue spring sports, the FHSAA is working diligently to create a plan regarding additional eligibility for students who have not been able to participate in spring sports,” the FHSAA said in an update.
“The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, fans and local communities are our top priority. We appreciate all member schools’ cooperation in following federal, state and local recommendations and mandates during this time.”
The Florida Department of Education has mandated the closure of schools until at least May 3, which also the ending date of the governor’s new “safer at home” order that asks Floridians to stay home except for essential business.
Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has said sports and extracurricular activities are canceled through the remainder of the school year.
Pictured: Avery Beauchaine and Cam Wolfenden homered for the Tate Lady Aggies during a Tuesday, March 10 win over Navarre — just days before spring break and a COVID-19 school closure. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Camp Fire Closing Facilities During Stay At Home Order
April 2, 2020
In response to the stay-at-home order issued for Florida, Camp Fire Gulf Wind has announced they are closing all facilities, including the Campfire Century Youth Learning Center, PSC Child Development Center and their office on Creighton Road.
VPK graduation in Century and Pensacola has been canceled. After-school sites at Longleaf Elementary and Scenic Heights Elementary will remain closed until schools reopen.
The sites will be closed April 3 through May 4.
“Know that this decision was not made lightly, but the health and safety of our children, families, and staff is a priority. Please stay safe and healthy and we will see you on the other side of this situation,” Camp Fire posted on social media.
There are currently no changes to summer day camps.
Parents with questions can leave a message at (850) 476-1760.
Wednesday Was Census Day. Did You Respond? Most Escambia Residents Have Not.
April 2, 2020
Wednesday was Census Day – the day that determines who is counted in the 2020 Census and where they are counted. But it went mostly unnoticed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. Census Bureau said 38.4% of Americans had been counted as of Wednesday, and 37.6% of Escambia County residents had responded to the 2020 Census since invitations began arriving in mailboxes March 12-20.
The Census Bureau is strongly encouraging the public to respond to the 2020 Census online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. Those that don’t respond will receive a paper questionnaire April 8-16, and a continued non-response will eventually lead to a visit from a Census worker.
COVID-19 has forced the Census Bureau to suspend field operations and the hiring of up to a half million temporary census takers.
Escambia Schools Teachers And Staff Will All Work From Home After Governor’s Order
April 2, 2020
Escambia County School District employees will begin working from home on Friday after the “Safer at Home” order issued Wednesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“It is important for parents to be aware that the Instructional Continuity Plan for students will continue. Instructional services will be provided by teachers working from home,,” Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said.
Access to all Escambia County School District facilities will be closed to the public, effective Friday, April 3. through the end of the order on May 1. School feeding sites will remain open.
Parents and guardians will be able to leave voicemail messages on school telephone lines which will be monitored. Calls will be returned by school staff members as quickly as possible.
“Employees who support distance learning or perform essential functions may be authorized to have limited access to district facilities, as approved by their supervisor. All employees should continue to follow directions provided by their immediate supervisors,” Thomas said.
Here’s What The Safer At Home Order Means In Escambia County
April 1, 2020
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order Wednesday regarding essential services and essential activities during the COVID-19 emergency. The “safer at home” order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 3 and expires on Monday, April 30, 2020, unless extended by subsequent order.
The order requires all persons in Florida to limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.
According to a statement from Escambia County, “ndividuals within the county are expected to follow the Governor’s Executive Order 20-91. The Executive Order allows for essential activities, including going to the store to buy food, medicine and cleaning supplies, accessing health care and banking.”
The order includes the following directives and information:
Safer At Home
- Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition (such as chronic lung disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised status, cancer, diabetes, severe obesity, renal failure and liver disease) shall stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- All persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.
Essential Services
- For purposes of this Order and the conduct it limits, “essential services” means and encompasses the list detailed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, v. 2 (March 28, 2020) and any subsequent lists published.
- Essential services include, but are not limited to:
- Healthcare/public health
- Law enforcement, public safety and other first responders
- Food and agriculture
- Employees supporting the energy sector, including electricity, petroleum and natural gas industries
- Water and wastewater
- Transportation and logistics
- Public works and infrastructure support services
- Communications and information technology
- Other community or government-based operations and essential functions
- Critical manufacturing
- Residential/shelter facilities and services
- Hygiene products and services
- View the full list of essential services and guidance here.
- Essential services also include those businesses and activities designated by the governor’s Executive Order 20-89 which includes a list propounded by Miami-Dade County in multiple orders.
- Other essential services may be added.
- Nothing in this order prohibits individuals from working from home; the Order encourages individuals to work from home.
- All businesses or organizations are encouraged to provide delivery, carry-out or curbside service outside of the business or organization, of orders placed online or via telephone, to the greatest extent practicable.
Essential Activities
- For purposes of this Order and the conduct it limits, “essential activities” means and encompasses the following:
- Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship
- Participating in recreational activities such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or swimming
- Taking care of pets
- Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend
- Escambia County strongly encourages all essential activities follow social distancing guidelines.
- Other essential activities may be added to this list.
- A social gathering in a public space is not an essential activity. Groups of people greater than ten are not permitted to congregate in any public space.
DeSantis Issues Statewide Stay-At-Home Order For Florida (Updated With Order Text)
April 1, 2020
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a 30-day executive stay-at-home order for the entire state effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
He did not officially call it a stay-at-home order during a press conference, instead calling it a “Safer at Home” order, saying that Floridians should limit movements to only essential services.
The order defines “essential services” as those on a list from the Department of Homeland Security (pdf here).
The text of the order is below.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section (l)(a) of the Florida Constitution, Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order to take immediate effect:
Section 1. Safer At Home
A. Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition (such as chronic lung disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised status, cancer, diabetes, severe obesity, renal failure and liver disease) shall stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
B. In concert with the efforts of President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force to fight COVID-19, and based on guidance provided by Florida Surgeon General and State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Rivkees, all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.
Section 2. Essential Services
A. For purposes of this Order and the conduct it limits, “essential services” means and encompasses the list detailed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, v. 2 (March 28, 2020) (attached) and any subsequent lists published.
B. Essential services also include those businesses and activities designated by Executive Order 20-89 and its attachment which consists of a list propounded by Miami-Dade County in multiple orders.
C. Other essential services may be added under this Order with the approval of the State Coordinating Officer, in close coordination with the State Health Officer. The State Coordinating Officer shall maintain an online list of essential services, as specified in this Order along with any approved additions. The online list shall be available on the Division of Emergency Management’s website at www.floridadisaster.org and the Florida Department of Health’s website at www.floridahealth.gov.
D. Nothing in this order prohibits individuals from working from home; indeed, this Order encourages individuals to work from home.
E. All businesses or organizations are encouraged to provide delivery, carry-out or curbside service outside of the business or organization, of orders placed online or via telephone, to the greatest extent practicable.
Section 3. Essential Activities
A. For purposes of this Order and the conduct it limits, “essential activities” means and encompasses the following:
- Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship; and
- Participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or swimming; and
- Taking care of pets; and
- Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend.
B. Other essential activities may be added to this list with the approval of the State Coordinating Officer, in close coordination with the State Health Officer. The State Coordinating Officer shall maintain an online list of essential activities, as specified in this Order along with any approved additions.
C. A social gathering in a public space is not an essential activity. Local jurisdictions shall ensure that groups of people greater than ten are not permitted to congregate in any public space.
39 Were Tested On First Day At Cantonment Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site. Here’s How You Can Be Tested.
April 1, 2020
Thirty-nine people were tested for COVID-19 Tuesday during the first day of operation for a drive-thru testing location in Cantonment before it was shut down due to bad weather.
The site is scheduled to operate from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Community Health Northwest Florida Pediatrics at 470 South Highway 29. It is operated as a partnership between Community Health Northwest Florida, Ascension Sacred Heart and Escambia County.
COVID-19 testing is open to everyone in the community who meets the pre-screening criteria, both children and adults. Testing is provided at no cost to patients. For those persons with health insurance, it will cover the full cost of screening. For those with no health insurance, there is no charge for this test. Once the testing is completed, patients will be instructed to go home and self-isolate, or keep away from other people (even family members) until results of the COVID-19 test are known.
“As a healthcare provider who last year cared for over 54,000 patients at our 17 clinic locations, we are committed to the health and safety of all families throughout our service area,” said Chandra Smiley, CEO and Executive Director of Community Health Northwest Florida. “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Escambia County and Ascension Sacred Heart to provide these important access points for COVID-19 testing.”
All patients are required to be pre-screened before arriving at the drive-thru testing center in Cantonment or other Sacred Heart locations by calling the Ascension Sacred Heart COVID-19 Pre-Screening Call Center at (850) 746-2684. Those who have not been pre-screened over the phone will not be provided access to the drive-through test center. Ascension Sacred Heart’s Pre-Screening Call Center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The drive-thru testing center is located at the north end of the old shopping center that houses the pediatric practice. Suspected COVID-19 patients should remain in their vehicle and not enter the pediatric practice.
There were 15 previously confirmed cases of COVID-19 in r Cantonment as of Tuesday night.
Pictured: The first day of a drive-thru COVID-19 testing location at Community Health Northwest Florida Pediatrics at 470 South Highway 29. Photos courtesy Chorus Nylander/WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate, Other High Schools Donate Safety Goggles To Sacred Heart Hospital Amid COVID-19 Fight
April 1, 2020
Safety goggles going unused in school science departments across the county are now going to help medical workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight.
On Saturday, Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas received a special request from Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Their clinical leaders were looking for safety goggles they could use when interacting with both potential and confirmed COVID-19 patients and it had been suggested that since the schools were closed to students, perhaps some of the school science labs might have safety goggles they wouldn’t need right now.
Superintendent Thomas contacted Carol Myers, ECSD’s subject area specialist for science, who in turn reached out to the high schools’ science department heads over the weekend. On Monday, they went to their schools and pulled out boxes of new unused goggles and reported their findings back to Myers.
By Monday afternoon, teachers at Tate and four Escambia County high schools had located 763 pairs of safety goggles to be donated to Sacred Heart. The hospital expressed their appreciation for the school district’s quick response and for the donations. The goggles will be put to use immediately and can be cleaned and used repeatedly. New goggles will be purchased by the Resource Group and Ascension Sacred Heart to replace the schools’ supplies before school starts in August.
“As everyone navigates this COVID-19 crisis, it is our pleasure to assist a hospital in our local medical community by sharing supplies we won’t need while we deliver education online, and I commend our science department for their quick response,” Thomas said.
Pictured: Safety goggles donated by Tate High School (top) and Washington High School (below). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Now Over 3,000 Tested For COVID-19 In Escambia County
April 1, 2020
Over 3,000 people have now been tested for COVID-19 in Escambia County.
As of the close of the business day Tuesday, Community Health, West Florida Hospital, Baptist Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital had tested a total of 3,038 people. Of those, 327 tests were done in hospitals, and 2,711 were tested at drive-thru locations.
There were 39 tests performed Tuesday at the a new drive-thru testing site in Cantonment.
Sacred Heart has tested 2,276 people, and results are back on 2,218 (97.45%). Sacred Heart reported 2,104 negatives and 114 positives (5.1%) The positives are from:
- Escambia County: 69
- Santa Rosa County: 26
- Okaloosa County: 6
- Walton County: 2
- Other Florida: 3
- Alabama: 6
- Other states: 2
There is a lag or discrepancy in the data between the local reports and the Florida Department of Health’s reports. Tuesday night, the FDOH reported only 919 tests have been performed in Escambia County.
There were 94 total cases reported by Tuesday night in Escambia County and 44 in Santa Rosa County.