Here is information on COVID-19 in Northwest Florida. We will keep this post updated with the latest information from local, and statewide agencies.
For information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/coronavirus
For updates on Florida cases of coronavirus, visit the FDOH dashboard.
For Florida Department of Health: floridahealth.gov. The COVID-19 call center is available 24/7 at 1-866-779-6121
Friday, April 24
27 more deaths in Florida
Twenty-seven people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 Brevard, Broward, Collier, Dade, Hendry, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Sarasota and Volusia counties.
As of 6 p.m. Thursday, there are 29,648 Florida cases.
There are currently 335 long-term-care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health has published the list here. The twice daily COVID-19 report also includes information by county about deaths related to staff or residents in long-term care facilities. Of the 2,481 cases of residents or staff in long-term care facilities, 271 have died.
While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 12,637 tests performed on April 22, there were 1,169 positive results, or 9 percent.
New Florida cases include:
- 816 additional positive COVID-19 cases (800 Florida residents and 16 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
- There are currently 28,843 positive cases in Florida residents and 805 positive cases in non-Florida residents.
Thursday, April 23
427 cases in Escambia; death toll is 11
From Escambia County:
As of 11 a.m. today, the number of Escambia County cases with a COVID-19 diagnosis is four hundred twenty-seven (427) individuals (three hundred seventy-nine (379) residents and forty-eight (48) non-residents). The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Escambia County residents is eleven (11) individuals.
The COVID-19 case number is expected to change daily due to the return of results from ongoing testing. “These results reinforce how important it is for individuals to practice disease prevention methods and support the recent actions taken by state and local governments to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in Escambia County,” said FDOH-Escambia Director, Dr. John J. Lanza, MD.
33 more deaths reported
From the state Department of Health:
Thirty-three people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 Broward, Charlotte, Dade, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Palm Beach, Polk and St. Lucie counties.
Today, as of 10 a.m. Central, there are 28,832 Florida cases.
There are currently 335 long-term-care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health has published the list here. The twice daily COVID-19 report also includes information by county about deaths related to staff or residents in long-term care facilities. Of the 2,386 cases of residents or staff in long-term-care facilities, 258 have died.
While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 12,637 tests performed on April 22, there were 1,169 positive results, or 9 percent.
New Florida cases include:
- 256 additional positive COVID-19 cases (252 Florida residents and 4 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
- There are currently 28,043 positive cases in Florida residents and 789 positive cases in non-Florida residents.
Escambia working on ‘economic reset’
From Escambia County:
The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center has established a business, industry and economic stabilization COVID-19 reset working group. According to Escambia County’s Comprehensive Emergency Plan, Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18 is to provide guidance and coordinate issues with Escambia County’s business community in all phases of emergency management including expediting response and recovery. The Greater Pensacola Chamber is appointed as the lead agency.
“The COVID-19 reset working group is communicating closely with all area chambers, businesses, industries, community and government leaders to assist in the rapid dissemination of information, identifying unmet needs and supporting the business community recovering from the pandemic,” said Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley. “This work group is critical to resetting our economy, and their input is invaluable to returning our region to a thriving destination.”
The Economic Reset Working Group will provide the business community with current and relevant information and resources to assist them in their recovery efforts. They will establish a one-stop online information and resource center for business and employees.
34 more deaths in Florida
Thirty-four people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 Broward, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Dade, Hillsborough, Lee, Leon, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Seminole and Sumter counties.
As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, there are 28,576 Florida cases.
There are currently 324 long-term-care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health has published the list here. The twice daily COVID-19 report also includes information by county about deaths related to staff or residents in long-term care facilities. Of the 2,333 cases of residents or staff in long-term care facilities, 248 have died.
While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 14,165 tests performed on April 21, there were 1,384 positive results, or 10 percent.
New Florida cases include:
- 267 additional positive COVID-19 cases (248 Florida residents and 19 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
- There are currently 27,791 positive cases in Florida residents and 785 positive cases in non-Florida residents.
Wednesday, April 22
Escambia has 418 cases; death toll at 10
The department of health in Escambia County issued the following news release:
As of 2 p.m. today, the total number of Escambia County cases with a COVID-19 diagnosis is four hundred eighteen (418) individuals (three hundred seventy-seven (377) residents and forty-one (41) non-residents). The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Escambia County residents is ten (10) individuals.
The COVID-19 case number is expected to change daily due to the return of results from ongoing testing. “These results reinforce how important it is for individuals to practice disease prevention methods and support the recent actions taken by state and local governments to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in Escambia County,” said FDOH-Escambia Director, Dr. John J. Lanza.
Health care providers in Escambia County are collaborating to make testing available to those for whom testing is indicated by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Contact tracing will be conducted for those individuals who have tested positive. Contact tracing is a frequently-used public health tool for tracking and preventing the spread of disease.
102 cases in Escambia nursing homes
As of 1 p.m. today, there are 102 cases among residents or staff in long-term-care facilities. The Florida Department of Health has published the list of facilities here.
Santa Rosa County Launches Essential Business Guide
Ascension Drive-Thru Testing Closed Thursday Due To Weather
Due to inclement weather, Ascension Medical Group's drive through coronavirus site will be closed Thursday, April 23. It will resume on Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To date, our COVID-19 testing team has swabbed more than 4,000 people who have symptoms of the illness and identified more than 200 people who have the virus.
Interested persons who want to get tested for the virus must first call a designated call center first for a phone screening. The number is 850-746-2684. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Friday.
Rosamond Johnson ceremony postponed
Gulf Islands National Seashore issued the following news release:
Event organizers have decided to postpone the ceremony of the annual event honoring fallen Korean War Veteran, Army Private Rosamond Johnson. The ceremony will now take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11th, 2020, on Rosamond Johnson Beach. The event will remain open to the public and will include keynote speaker, and wreath laying ceremony. The ceremony will resume its annual date of the first weekend in May in 2021.
“I am thankful to our partners at Escambia County and the Perdido Key Chamber for their thoughtful collaboration on how to honor Private Johnson this year in light of the current public health modifications,” said Superintendent Dan Brown. “Veterans Day is not only an appropriate day to honor Private Johnson and his sacrifice, but also a fee free day at national parks and ensures that this event will remain free and open to the public.”
28 more deaths in Florida, including Escambia
From the state Department of Health:
Twenty-eight people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 Alachua, Collier, Dade, Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough, Madison, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Suwannee and Volusia counties.
As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, there are 27,869 Florida cases.
There are currently 313 long-term care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health has published the list here. The twice daily COVID-19 report also includes information by county about deaths related to staff or residents in long-term-care facilities. Of the 2,153 cases of residents or staff in long-term care facilities, 222 have died.
While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 11,782 tests performed on April 20, there were 1,054 positive results, or 9 percent.
New Florida cases include:
- 374 additional positive COVID-19 cases (366 Florida residents and 8 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
- There are currently 27,127 positive cases in Florida residents and 742 positive cases in non-Florida residents.
Tuesday, April 21
Florida Post-Secondary Institutions Donate Ventilators
Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), the Florida Department of Education (DOE), Florida College System (FCS), State University System (SUS), and private institutions across the state announced more than 130 ventilators have been donated to local hospitals, community medical centers and other facilities. The ventilators typically used in medical training programs will help ease any potential shortages caused by COVID-19. The colleges and universities are working with FDEM to transport and donate an additional 40 ventilators. For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit FDEM’s emergency response page at www.floridadisaster.org/COVID19.
Baptist Health Care Requires Patients, Guests To Wear Masks
In compliance with CDC guidelines, Baptist Health Care now requires that all patients, guests and vendors bring and wear a mask or other face covering while on any of our campuses to support our organization’s diligent efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensure we have enough masks and personal protective equipment required to last until the threat of COVID-19 has passed. Screening continues to be conducted at entrances to Baptist facilities. Patients who are identified as having symptoms or a risk factor will be given a mask at the door if they do not already have one. In addition, patients should avoid bringing a guest to appointments if possible. If it is necessary for someone to be with the patient, the guest should bring and wear a mask; any guests with COVID-19 symptoms or a risk factor will be asked to wait outside the building. All team members are required to wear masks at work.
337 cases in Escambia; nine dead in county
As of 3 p.m. today, Escambia County has had 337 positive COVID-19 cases. This number is expected to change daily due to the return of results from ongoing testing. For the most up-to-date information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Florida, visit the COVID-19 dashboard. The site is currently updated twice daily.
The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Escambia County residents is 9 individuals.
As of 1 p.m. today, there are 71 cases among residents or staff in long-term-care facilities. The Florida Department of Health has published the list of facilities here.
16 more deaths in Florida; another in Escambia
From the state Department of Health:
Sixteen people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 Broward, Dade, Escambia, Lee, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties.
Today, as of 10 a.m. Central, there are 27,495 Florida cases.
There are currently 313 long-term care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health has published the list here. The twice daily COVID-19 report also includes information by county about deaths related to staff or residents in long-term care facilities. Of the 2,001 cases of residents or staff in long-term care facilities, 207 have died.
While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 10,729 tests performed on April 20, there were 1,054 positive results, or 9 percent.
New Florida cases include:
- 437 additional positive COVID-19 cases (432 Florida residents and 5 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
- There are currently 26,761 positive cases in Florida residents and 734 positive cases in non-Florida residents.
Panhandle counties begin to reopen
Jennie McKeon reports this morning that Okaloosa Commissioners voted unanimously to reopen beaches from 6:30-9 a.m. and 4:30 -7 p.m. starting May 1.
Santa Rosa County commissioners meet Thursday to consider reopening Navarre Beach. Escambia commissioners to discuss the issue at a meeting next Tuesday. Follow us this week and next for details.
Monday, April 20
Escambia has 314 cases; death toll at 8
From Escambia County:
As of 3 p.m. today, Escambia County has had 314 positive COVID-19 cases. This number is expected to change daily due to the return of results from ongoing testing. For the most up-to-date information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Florida, visit the COVID-19 dashboard. The site is currently updated twice daily.
The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Escambia County residents is 8 individuals.
Currently there are 65 cases among residents or staff in long term care facilities. The Florida Department of Health has published the list of facilities here.
15 more deaths reported
From the state Department of Health:
Fifteen people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 Broward, Dade, Indian River and Sarasota counties.
As of 10 a.m. Central, there are 26,660 Florida cases.
There are currently 307 long-term care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health has published the list here. The twice daily COVID-19 report also includes information by county about deaths related to staff or residents in long-term care facilities. Of the 1,853 cases of residents or staff in long-term care facilities, 187 have died.
While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 10,748 tests performed on April 19, there were 1,108 positive results, or 10 percent.
New Florida cases include:
- 346 additional positive COVID-19 cases (344 Florida residents and 2 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
- There are currently 25,942 positive cases in Florida residents and 718 positive cases in non-Florida residents.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Announces Launch of Rebuild Florida Critical Facility Hardening Program
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced $75 million is now available to local governments through the Rebuild Florida Critical Facility Hardening Program. The Rebuild Florida Critical Facility Hardening Program allows local governments and state agencies to increase the resilience of critical facilities that serve a public safety purpose for local communities.
The funds are allocated through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) newly created Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) program formed in response to the 2016 to 2017 presidentially declared disasters.
Local governments and state agencies may apply individually or partner with non-profits and non-governmental agencies for funding to propose projects that meet program requirements, including benefiting low-to-moderate income (LMI) populations.
The application window will be open for 75 days and DEO staff will be available to provide technical assistance to communities during the application process. The deadline to complete an application is June 30, 2020. For more information about the program, including how to complete an application, visit the Rebuild Florida Critical Facility Hardening Program’s webpage.
To provide local governments and state agencies with more information about the Rebuild Florida Critical Facility Hardening Program, DEO will host a webinar at 2 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, April 22. Click here to register.
10 more deaths reported; one in Okaloosa
From the state Department of Health
As of 6 p.m. Sunday, there were 26,314 Florida cases.
There are currently 307 long-term care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health has published the list here. The twice daily COVID-19 report also includes information by county about deaths related to staff or residents in long-term care facilities. Of the 1,825 cases of residents or staff in long-term care facilities, 179 have died.
While Florida’s testing has increased, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 10,306 tests performed on April 18, there were 1,068 positive results, or 10 percent.
Ten people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 in Dade, Lee, Okaloosa, St. Lucie and Seminole counties.
New Florida cases include:
- 318 additional positive COVID-19 cases (298 Florida residents and 20 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
- There are currently 25,598 positive cases in Florida residents and 716 positive cases in non-Florida residents.
Sunday, April 19
16 more deaths in Florida, including in Okaloosa
Sixteen people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 Clay, Dade, Indian River, Okaloosa, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties.
From the state Department of Health:
Today, as of 10 a.m. Central, there are 25,996 Florida cases.
There are currently 303 long-term care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health has published the list here. The twice daily COVID-19 report also includes information by county about deaths related to staff or residents in long-term care facilities. Of the 1,785 cases of residents or staff in long-term care facilities, 715 have died.
While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 10,306 tests performed on April 18, there were 1,068 positive results, or 10 percent.
New Florida cases include:
- 504 additional positive COVID-19 cases (503 Florida residents and 1 non-Florida resident) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
- There are currently 25,300 positive cases in Florida residents and 696 positive cases in non-Florida residents.
Escambia has 173 ventilators available
As of 10 a.m. Friday, Escambia County area hospitals reported 220 total ventilators with 173 available, and 1,315 total beds with 515 available.
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a special meeting Tuesday, April 28 at 10 a.m. to discuss reopening Escambia County public beaches, and the public is strongly encouraged to participate electronically to comply with the Governor's Safer at Home Executive Order 20-91. This meeting will be streamed live and archived online for virtual viewing. The meeting will be in the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, BCC Meeting Room. The public is strongly encouraged to provide input on this agenda item prior to the Board meeting. A public input form has been made available.
304 cases in Escambia; death toll at 8
As of 10 a.m. today, Escambia County has had 304 positive COVID-19 cases. Currently there are 60 cases among residents or staff in long-term-care facilities. These numbers are expected to change daily due to the return of results from ongoing testing. For the most up-to-date information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Florida, visit the COVID-19 dashboard. The site is currently updated twice daily.
The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Escambia County is 8.
8 more deaths in Florida; Escambia's eighth
From the state Department of Health:
Eight people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 in Escambia, Lake, Manatee, Sarasota, St. Lucie and Volusia counties.
As of 6 p.m. Saturday, there are 25,492 Florida cases.
While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 14,191 tests performed on April 17, there were 1,419 positive results, or 10 percent.
New Florida cases include:
223 additional positive COVID-19 cases (220 Florida residents and 3 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
There are currently 24,797 positive cases in Florida residents and 695 positive cases in non-Florida residents.
Saturday, April 18
303 cases in Escambia County; death toll at 6
From the state Department of Health in Escambia County:
As of 11 a.m. today, Escambia County has had 303 positive COVID-19 cases. These numbers are expected to change daily due to the return of results from ongoing testing. For the most up-to-date information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Florida, visit the COVID-19 dashboard. The site is currently updated twice daily.
The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Escambia County residents is 6 individuals.
To view demographics of cases in Escambia County, visit the COVID-19 dashboard and select Escambia County. The following case data will appear: age, gender, race, and ethnicity.
14 more deaths in Florida
From the state Department of Health:
Fourteen people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 Broward, Dade, Desoto, Hernando, Lake and Suwannee counties.
Today, as of 10 a.m. Central, there are 25,269 Florida cases.
While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 14,191 tests performed on April 17, there were 1,419 positive results, or 10 percent.
New Florida cases include:
- 516 additional positive COVID-19 cases (511 Florida residents and 5 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
- There are currently 24,577 positive cases in Florida residents and 692 positive cases in non-Florida residents.
Escambia special meeting is April 28
From Escambia County:
The Board of County Commissioners will have a special meeting Tuesday, April 28 at 10 a.m. to discuss reopening Pensacola Beach, and the public is strongly encouraged to participate electronically to comply with the Governor's Safer at Home Executive Order 20-91.
This meeting will be streamed live and archived online for virtual viewing. The meeting will be in the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, BCC Meeting Room.
The public is strongly encouraged to provide input on this agenda item prior to the Board meeting. A public input form has been made available.
Friday, April 17
City of Pensacola Adds Hand-Washing Stations For Homeless Population
The City of Pensacola is providing hand-washing stations at 11 locations for the homeless population or those who do not have regular access to soap and water during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The stations are being provided in an effort to help homeless individuals practice good hand-washing techniques, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The hand-washing stations are being funded through District 2 Councilwoman Sherri Myers' discretionary fund and District 6 Councilwoman Ann Hill's discretionary fund, along with the city's general fund.
Hand-washing stations are available at the following locations in the city (some sites subject to change):
- Bryan Park: 1200 Langley Ave.
- Loaves and Fishes: 257 E. Lee St.
- Under the Interstate 110 Ramp near the Pensacola Bay Center
- Bill Gregory Park: 150 N. “W” St.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza: 50 N. Palafox St.
- Wyer Park: 320 W. Belmont St.
- Pensacola Library: 239 N. Spring St.
- Veterans Memorial Park: 200 S. 10th Ave.
- Corner of Ninth Avenue and West Cervantes Street (to be installed next week - subject to change)
- BJ’s Bus Shelter: Corner of Davis Highway and Langley Avenue (to be installed next week - subject to change)
- Corner of Airport Boulevard and College Boulevard (to be installed next week - subject to change)