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00000177-b32b-d5f4-a5ff-bbfb6e660000Here is the information you need to know about COVID-19 in Northwest Florida. We will keep this post updated with the latest information from local, and statewide agencies. For inforamtion from Centers for Disease Control and prevention: cdc.gov/coronavirusFor updates on Florida cases of coronavirus, visit the FDOH dashboard.The COVID-19 call center is available at 24/7 at 1-866-779-6121

Caring For The Coast: Northwest Florida Healthcare Professionals Are Prepared

The health-care industry in Northwest Florida stays prepared for disasters — whether it be a hurricane or public health scare like COVID-19. Yet, the biggest demands continue to be medical supplies and equipment, and staffing.

Ann Hill is the executive director of the Emerald Coast Healthcare Coalition (ECHC), a network of healthcare agencies that covers 10 counties, from Escambia to Holmes, that work together before, during and after disasters. 

“We are heavily involved in COVID-19 right now, talking with the state Department of Health almost daily, answering emails from county departments and health-care agencies,” said Hill sitting behind her desk in Fort Walton Beach. “You can see most of the activity is in South Florida from your cruise ship ports and major tourist areas. Luckily, we’ve been spared, but our health-care partners are prepared.” 

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Florida continue to trickle in. The death toll as of Tuesday was five. The Florida Department of Health provides updated surveillance on statewide cases, which you can follow here.

The coalition provides training for situations just like this. Tuesday morning, the nonprofit trained more than a dozen health-care workers on how to properly fit medical masks to make sure no contaminants get in. 

That is, if the proper masks are available. The N95 model of medical masks is one of thebiggest shortages, Hill said. The coalition has a small ration of masks, but they’re only for dire situations. 

“I’m not talking a thousand or a hundred, I’m talking a few,” she said of their inventory. 

Dr. Richard Clinchy is an EMT instructor and medical supply distributor. He is also a board member of ECHC. He said he’s been chained to his computer working to fill orders. 

“I called one guy up asking for a case of gloves and he laughed,” said Clinchy. “It’s happening all over the country. The supply shortage is largely due to the fact that it’s coming from China.”

At hospitals, there are also a shortage of beds as well as ventilators, said Hill. Two trauma centers in the region — one at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and the other at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola — can provide expanded care when necessary. 

“Every hospital right now is jammed — they’re all jammed,” she added. “Because we have so many flu cases and so many other illnesses going on besides COVID-19 there’s more people dying from the flu everyday versus COVID-19. Our hospitals are maxed out; does that mean they’re going to stop providing care? No.” 

Credit Jennie McKeon / WUWF
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WUWF
Ann Hill, executive director of Emerald Coast Healthcare Coalition.

One area that may need the most help is Panama City, which is still recovering from Hurricane Michael in 2018. Hill said she’s concerned about hospitals there that had to downsize. 

In Orlando, the Orange County Convention Center parking lot has become a COVID-19 testing area with the Federal Emergency Management Agency providing drive-through tests in tents. On a smaller scale, Sacred Heart in Pensacola is providing a similar service to patients who have been to a doctor and require testing. 

“That could be done here, but we’re not at that point,” said Hill. 

There is always a need for medical staffing in times of crisis or not, from administrators to security to doctors and nurses. With more significant cases in California and Washington, ECHC has deployed volunteers from the FloridaOne Florida Disaster Response Medical Team. And volunteers could come here in the event of emergency. 

As a first responder for the past 60 years, Clinchy has worked in all kinds of disasters. He says the directives from state and federal officials “make a lot of sense” and will be a key factor in mitigating the coronavirus crisis here locally. 

“Social distancing will have a significant impact,” he said. “The virus can remain airborne for three hours and on plastic and metal surfaces for three days. I just went to Walgreens and I’m punching the keypad, and (the virus) could’ve been there from somebody three days ago, which is why I always have antimicrobial spray.” 

Another piece of advice? 

“Stay calm,” said Hill.