Four Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Test Positive For COVID-19; Three Others Awaiting Results
June 27, 2020
Officials in Escambia County have confirmed that four Pensacola Beach lifeguards have tested positive for COVID-19.
Three other lifeguards have been tested for the virus, and they are awaiting results. Additional information has not been made available.
Alabama Schools Will Open In August; Remote Learning Options To Be Available
June 27, 2020
The Alabama “Roadmap to Reopening Schools” was unveiled on Friday, outlining what will happen as public schools open in the fall.
Schools will open unless the governor or local school boards choose otherwise. The roadmap is not a mandate, but operational guidance.
All districts are expected to provided virtual options for students that don’t want to return to school. Schools can open as early as August 4.
To read the complete Alabama Roadmap to Reopening Schools plan, click or tap here.
Here is FAQ created by the Alabama Department of Education:
Will campuses reopen for in-person instruction?
Yes, the expectation is for Alabama campuses to reopen for traditional learning this fall.
Who will determine if my local campus stays open?
Local Boards of Education, upon the recommendation of their superintendents and in consultation with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and/or local public health officials, will make determinations about specific changes in campus status throughout the year.
What are some things that might be different on campuses?
Local school systems set day-to-day policies and procedures. Communications around when and if facial coverings should be worn, for example, will come directly from your local school system. Students may expect to see changes in physical distancing, increased sanitization, and personal hygiene while on campuses.
What kind of precautions will schools have to take?
A portion of the essential guidance will require enhanced cleaning and sanitization and that all schools designate an area of quarantine for students who become ill at school.
What remote learning opportunities might be available?
In Alabama’s model, local school systems are responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures around each of these three instructional scenarios. The State has committed to offer remote learning resources through a third-party curriculum developer as well as to expand the high school ACCESS program to all school systems. It is the recommendation of ALSDE that all school systems provide access to both traditional and remote options throughout the 2020-2021 school year.
What if I do not have Internet at home?
Local school systems are continuing to inventory Internet accessibility for students. The results of this inventory can provide insights on how students can have internet connectivity throughout the state. ALSDE and school systems are diligently advocating for Internet connectivity for all students.
What can I do to help?
HOME is the first point on the screening continuum. School systems should educate and support families on identifying the symptoms that indicate staff and students must stay at home. Families should be encouraged to self-report symptoms of illness, which could include fever, new onset of cough, etc. Self-reporting mechanisms could include calling the school or calling your health-care provider
What is being done to close the digital divide for Alabama’s students?
ALSDE continues to work with state leaders to secure funding and additional opportunities for expansion of broadband infrastructure. Many school systems have already invested in innovative tactics to close the digital divide by purchasing devices. ALSDE is providing best practices as examples to school systems, distributed funds, and is providing a remote/digital curriculum to all school systems.
Will extracurricular activities be allowed?
Yes, we will continue to work with school systems to provide best practices for off-campus field trips, etc. We also continue to share the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s guidance for sports.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Walgreens Confirms Atmore Store Was Temporarily Closed Due To COVID-19 Infected Employee
June 27, 2020
Walgreens confirmed on Friday that their Atmore store was closed Thursday due to COVID-19. It has since reopened.
The chain was notified of an employee that tested positive for COVID-19, Kris Lathan of Walgreen’s Corporate Media Relations told NorthEscambia.com in an email.
“In accordance with our established protocols, CDC guidance, and out of an abundance of caution, we temporarily closed the store for comprehensive cleaning in order to disinfect the premises. We received clearance to reopen that same afternoon. Cleanings sometimes require temporarily closing a store,” Lathan said.
“When Walgreens is notified of a confirmed or presumed positive COVID-19 case, we take rigorous action to meet or exceed recommendations and health advisories from the CDC, OSHA, public health officials, and other local, state and federal regulatory health agencies. Our clinical and safety teams also work closely with our field and store leadership to identify and contact individuals to self-quarantine and self-monitor for any signs and/or symptoms,” she continued.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Mayor Issues Order: Face Masks Required Inside Businesses Within The City Of Pensacola
June 26, 2020
The City of Pensacola is requiring face coverings at businesses inside the city limits effective today.
Mayor Grover Robinson issued a declaration of state of emergency effective at 5 p.m. Friday requiring face coverings to be worn by employees and patrons inside businesses within City of Pensacola limits.
This order is in response to a rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in the Pensacola area and in accordance with the recent Public Health Advisory issued by the State Surgeon General, along with the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that cloth face coverings be worn in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain. the city said.
“Our top priority in the City of Pensacola is the health and safety of our citizens, and we have to take action to protect our community during these unprecedented times,” Mayor Robinson said. “Wearing a mask is a simple step we can all take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and ultimately help our community and economy recover more quickly. It’s important to remember that you can spread COVID-19 even if you don’t feel sick. Wearing a mask is not a sign of fear or selfishness, but rather a sign of kindness and selflessness since your mask could protect others from getting sick.”
MORE INFO:
What is considered a face covering?
A face covering is a material that covers the nose and mouth and that fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped around the lower face. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen. Coverings with materials made of multiple layers is highly encouraged. A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand, or the cloth face covering can be improvised from household items.
Exceptions
This order does not apply to:
- A child under 6 years of age.
- A person who has one or more medical conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing a face covering, including anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance. A person asserting this exception for medical conditions or disabilities is not required to carry or produce documentation verifying the health condition to a business or law enforcement.
- A person who is communicating with an individual who is hearing impaired who needs to see the mouth of the person speaking to facilitate communication.
- An individual who is obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.
- Public safety, police, fire, and other life safety and health care personnel whose personal protective equipment requirements are governed by their respective agencies.
- A person in a federal, state, or Escambia County government building.
- A person exercising while observing at least 6 feet of distancing from other persons.
- Persons while eating or drinking. It is the intent of this provision that a face covering be worn while traversing a business for ingress and egress, to use the restroom facilities, and while standing when persons are unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distancing.
- Business owners, managers, and employees who are in an area of a business that is not open to customers, patrons, or the public, provided that 6 feet of distance exists between persons. This exception does not apply to employees who are present in the kitchen or other food and beverage preparation area of a business – those persons must wear face coverings.
- An individual in a lodging establishment who is inside of the lodging unit, including, but not limited to, a hotel room, motel room, vacation rental unit, timeshare unit, or similar unit.
Nothing in this order shall require or allow a person to wear a face covering to conceal the identity of the wearer in violation of Chapter 876, Florida Statutes.
Florida Suspends On Premise Consumption Of Alcohol At Bars Statewide
June 26, 2020
Friday morning, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation suspended on-premise consumption of alcohol at bars statewide.
The order includes businesses that derive over 50% of their gross revenue from selling alcoholic beverages for on premise consumption. They can continue to sell alcoholic beverages in sealed containers for consumption off the premises. Businesses that are also licensed as a restaurant or food service establishment may continue to operate as normal if they derive less than 50% or less of gross revenues from the sale of on premise consumption alcoholic beverages.
The action was in response to record-setting daily increases in the number of COVID-19 cases in Florida.
On Friday, Florida smashed the old one-day record with 8,942, topping the previous high of 5,508 that was reported on Wednesday. The number of cases in Escambia County were up 155 far exceeding the previous daily record of 92.
Firefighters Respond To Report Of Smoke Inside Cantonment Tom Thumb
June 26, 2020
Escambia Fire Rescue responded to the Tom Thumb in Cantonment about 9:00 Friday morning for a report of smoke in the building. The source of the smoke was traced to a HVAC unit on the roof of the building on Highway 29 at Woodbury Circle. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Century Man Charged With Breaking Both Of A Four Month Old Baby Girl’s Legs
June 26, 2020
A Century man was arrested on a first degree felony charge for allegedly breaking both of a four-month old girl’s legs.
Dustin Raymond McMurdy, 27 was charged with aggravated child abuse. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
X-rays showed baby girl had femur fractures on each side of her body. A Florida Department of Children and Families investigator told the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that the hospital determined the injuries were consistent with child abuse and had possible been caused by the pulling on the child’s legs.
“The type of fractures this child has sustained is the most specific fracture seen in child abuse, and is the result of violent shearing (pulling),” an arrest report states.
DCF described McCurdy and a female not charged as illicit drug users, according to the arrest report.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office alleged the fractures occurred during an altercation between McCurdy and the female.
After COVID-19 Cases Increase At Record Level, Escambia County Urges Residents To Take Action
June 26, 2020
As the number of COVID-19 cases in Escambia County increased Thursday by 92, a record for a single day, the county released a statement encouraging residents to take preventative action against the virus.
“We want to remind the public that it is extremely important to continue to social distance, avoid close contact with people and it is recommended to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible as there has been a rise in cases in Escambia County as well as younger people testing positive,” said Escambia County Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore.
“Through conversations with the Florida Department of Health, we have learned that COVID-19 is likely to spread from an infected individual when in close contact with someone, like riding in vehicles together. While our hospital systems are in good shape right now in terms of available beds and ventilators, we need to ensure we are all social distancing to keep it this way.”
“Please continue to wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, social distance, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as well as it is recommended to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible,” Gilmore said.
The total number of COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Escambia County as of Thursday was 1,404, an increase of 315 in just one week.
Eligible Families Receiving Pandemic School Meal Benefits This Summer; EBT Cards Arriving Now
June 26, 2020
Benefit cards are arriving in North Escambia area mailboxes for families with children that were receiving free and reduced price meals at during the last school year.
Florida’s Pandemic EBT Program (P-EBT) was approved the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Families eligible to receive free or reduced-priced school meals will automatically receive the benefit during the month of June with no further action needed. The benefit is $5.70 per day for 55 days, for a total of $313.50 per child that qualified for free or reduced meals prior to April 1.
At many Escambia County Schools, all students received free meals without an application being necessary to qualify for the benefits. The list of schools is at the bottom of this article. Students from other schools not listed will also receive the cards if they were receiving free or reduced lunch.
Households can use P-EBT benefits to buy breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and plants and seeds to grow foodt. Households cannot use P-EBT benefits to buy nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, household supplies, grooming items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, food to eat in the store, or hot foods.
P-EBT benefits can be used to purchase food items at retailers displaying a Quest or SNAP logo. Benefits expire in one year.
For existing SNAP customers with a child receiving free and reduced-price school meals, the P-EBT benefit will be added to their current EBT card automatically. For Medicaid and/or TANF recipients with a child receiving free and reduced-price school meals, the P-EBT benefit will be automatically mailed to the address on their Medicaid and/or TANF file.
For all other P-EBT customers, a new P-EBT card will be mailed to the address on file with the child’s school district.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF), in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), developed a P-EBT program to automatically issue benefits during the month of June to more than 2.1 million children who have temporarily lost access to free and reduced-price school meals during COVID-19-related school closures.
Eligible families that do not receive their benefit by June 30 can call (833) 311-0321.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Bellview Elementary
Bratt Elementary
Brentwood Elementary
Byrneville Elementary
C.A Weis Elementary
Ensley Elementary
Ferry Pass Elementary
Global Learning Academy
Holm Elementary
Jim Allen Elementary
Lincoln Park Elementary
Lipscomb Elementary
Longleaf Elementary
McArthur Elementary
Molino Park Elementary
Montclair Elementary
Myrtle Grove Elementary
Navy Point Elementary
Oakcrest Elementary
Pine Meadow Elementary
Pleasant Grove Elementary
Scenic Heights Elementary
O.J. Semmes Elementary
Sherwood Elementary
Warrington Elementary
West Pensacola Elementary
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Bellview Middle
Beulah Middle
Ernest Ward Middle
Ferry Pass Middle
Jim Bailey Middle
Warrington Middle
Workman Middle
HIGH SCHOOLS
Escambia High
Northview High
Pensacola High
Pine Forest High
Washington High
OTHER SCHOOLS AND CENTERS
Camelot
Capstone
Escambia Westgate Center
Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy
Success Academy
Lakeview Center
Tate High Graduate Matthew Johnson Signs With US Merchant Marine Academy
June 26, 2020
Tate High School Football’s Matthew Johnson has signed to continue his academic and athletic career at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Johnson graduated from Tate Tuesday night. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.