ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you arrived on this page by clicking a push alert on your phone, please scroll down for links to live streams.
Live blog:
As the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic grips the globe, it can be difficult to find reliably factual information about what's going on here in Florida.
This blog is a resource to address that crucial need. 10News reporters and producers will use it to share the latest headlines, while actively focusing on facts not fear.
Stories that require more in-depth coverage will be posted on WTSP.com/coronavirus.
Key Facts
- The CDC is now suggesting that any Americans, who wish to do so, should wear basic cloth or fabric face coverings when they go out in public.
- 170 deaths reported in Florida, with 10,268 confirmed cases
- Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a "safer-at-home" order for the state of Florida, effective April 3
- Disney suspending monthly payment for pass holders
------------------
8:05 p.m. (April 3)
The Florida Department of Health announced that its online dashboard that displays positive COVID-19 cases in the state will now feature a map that breaks down cases by zip code.
The department also released a "COVID-19 Community Action Survey," that it recommends all Floridians take.
To take the survey, click here.
To access the dashboard, click here.
6:39 p.m. (April 3)
Wawa says an employee at one of its Tampa locations tested positive for COVID-19. The store, located at 8458 N. Dale Mabry Highway, said it closed to deep clean and disinfect when it got the information in.
Wawa said the last day the employee worked was March 22, and it is working to notify any associate who might have come in contact with the person who tested positive.
6:02 p.m. (April 3)
Florida's total number of COVID-19 cases has surpassed 10,000. There are now a total of 10,268 cases in the state.
There have been 1,334 hospital admissions and a total of 170 deaths.
5:45 p.m. (April 3)
President Donald Trump says the CDC is now recommending all Americans wear basic cloth or fabric, non-medical face coverings to help limit the spread of COVID-19. This is a reversal from previous guidance.
Because many people don't show any symptoms, this could help prevent asymptomatic carriers from spreading the virus to other people.
The Trump administration says medical masks should still be reserved for medical professionals, who are facing a shortage.
Face coverings do not replace social distancing guidelines. And, people should continue to wash their hands regularly with soap and water.
5:19 p.m. (April 3)
Hillsborough County Emergency Management announced they are expecting to receive 44,000 COVID-19 rapid test kits from American Bio Medica Corporation.
These kits will be used to begin testing area first responders and critical health care professionals.
The effort came after Gov. Ron DeSantis declared public safety officials should be given priority for testing. The county says that they have secured enough tests to administer them to all fire, EMS and police agencies in Hillsborough county.
They also secured enough tests to provide "sufficient" testing to medical and nursing staff at assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
4:58 p.m. (April 3)
Manatee County Commissioners pass a motion to put a curfew in place from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday,
3:42 p.m. (April 3)
Sarasota Memorial Hospital announced Friday that due to struggles with a "sudden" and "drastic" drop in hospital volume and revenue due to COVID-19 they will need to temporarily furlough employees, reduce the hours of others
“This was an extremely difficult decision, and one that we did not make lightly,” Sarasota Memorial Hospital CEO David Verinder said in a letter to employees today. “Staff have gone above and beyond to care for our patients throughout this crisis, even as they have been anxious about the health and well-being of themselves and their families.
Sarasota Memorial reports they have experienced a $16 million reduction in revenue in March. The financial blow is expected to be even greater in April and May.
“While we have implemented a hiring freeze for all but mission-critical positions, and reduced staff’s hours in areas that have had to cancel services, COVID-19 still has cost SMH millions of dollars,” Verinder said. “We must take greater action now to sustain our ability to care for the community throughout and after this crisis.”
Other cost-cutting measures include temporarily suspending any non-critical patient services and projects and pay cuts for senior leaders.
Sarasota Memorial did stress that the hospital will continue to meet the needs of those seeking medical care under their roof.
Those who have been furloughed during this time will keep their positions once normal operations resume or sooner if they are needed to assist during the COVID-19 crisis, according to the hospital.
“Once the pandemic abates,” Verinder said, “I am hopeful that we will bounce back quickly, thanks to the reputation, resilience and strength of our team and the support of our community.”
3:33 p.m. (April 3)
Starting Monday, April 5, a BayCare drive-thru COVID-19 test collection site in Haines City the last two weeks will move to Bartow.
The change allows BayCare Health System to reopen its Haines City Urgent Care center.
“We are excited to move this service to serve another part of the community, as well as add more access to care for the entire community,” Senior Vice President for BayCare Ambulatory Services Jim Cote said.
The new location for the drive-thru COVID-19 test site will be in the parking lot of Bartow Regional Medical Center.
The site will operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Those looking to be tested should be referred by their physician first.
2:44 p.m. (April 3)
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried issued the following statement regarding Governor Ron DeSantis' leadership in Florida through the COVID-19 pandemic:
“Florida needs leadership now more than ever, but Governor DeSantis is failing to lead. His safer-at-home order is filled with glaring loopholes as the details emerge. He quietly issued a second executive order that weakens stay-at-home restrictions, allowing mass gatherings on beaches and in religious institutions, creating enormous confusion for local officials, and putting Floridians and businesses further at risk after weeks of inaction. He’s deflecting responsibility for his unemployment system fiasco, leaving millions of Floridians without the economic help they need indefinitely. At a time when our state most needs steady, accountable, transparent leadership, the Governor is unwilling or unable to provide it. Governor, you need to correct these failures now, before our people and economy are further endangered.”
2:12 p.m. (April 3)
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri provided the latest information regarding the issuance of both the state and local coronavirus related orders.
Gualtieri expressed that city and county orders cannot conflict with the state's order, but that they can take their guidance a step further.
The "governor's order sets the floor, not the ceiling, of what we can do," Gualtieri said.
That's why Pinellas County is shutting down non-essential businesses.
The sheriff's office has over 20 deputies assigned to compliance duty to make sure people are following directives. They will also have their maximum amount of marine units out this weekend for patrol.
The sheriff also touched on beaches, boating and religious services.
When it comes to marinas, the sheriff said that they can stay open, but must adhere to the restrictions for boats to stay 50 feet apart and have no more than 10 people on a boat at a time.
As for beaches, the sheriff does not anticipate a change in their closure in the near future.
During the press conference, Gualtieri also addressed the hot topic of holding religious services during the coronavirus pandemic. He acknowledged Governor Ron DeSantis' order that churches do not have to close, but that this only comes with these places of worship abiding by restrictions.
11:55 a.m. (April 3)
The City of St. Pete is offering money to help small businesses and their employees who are getting hit hard by the coronavirus. That help will come in the form of grants.
Here are the details:
- $5,000 grants for eligible small business owners and $500 for their eligible employees
- No paybacks required, but funds are only to be used for approved purposes
- The money WILL be taxable, so plan for that
- Restaurants of all types, bars, retail, pet care, child and senior care services, event spaces, fitness centers and gyms are a few examples of eligible businesses.
- Small businesses that are independently owned and employ 25 or less are eligible to apply.
- Business owners must live in St. Pete to be eligible
- Employees who live in the city, who have been laid off, furloughed, or whose incomes have been decreased by 50 percent from eligible businesses may also apply.
10:58 a.m. (April 3)
The Florida Department of Health released new coronavirus numbers Friday.
The state saw a jump in confirmed cases with 577 new people testing positive. This brings the state's total to 9,585 cases.
Florida Health also noted 19 new deaths raising the total to 163.
9:45 a.m. (April 3)
Hernando County now has a COVID-19 hotline. Residents may call (352) 540-6233 for any questions related to Hernando County and COVID-19 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9:30 a.m. (April 3)
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue says a firefighter has tested positive for coronavirus. Another 60 firefighters are in quarantine.
The department has more than 1,100 firefighters and paramedics
9:10 a.m. (April 3)
Hillsborough County Joint Information Center provides guidelines for religious services
Those who choose to attend religious services in-person should follow the public health and safety guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
This includes providing at least 6 feet of space between attendees and avoiding gathering in groups larger than 10 people.
By remaining at home whenever possible, and following the CDC guidelines, you can help stop the spread of the virus among your congregation, your friends, and your neighbors.
Leave your home only when absolutely necessary, limit gatherings to 10 people, and provide 6 feet of space between individuals.
9 a.m. (April 3)
Two Publix employees have tested positive for coronavirus.
In a statement Friday morning, a Publix spokesperson said one associate works at the store at 525 S Belcher Road in Clearwater, the other associate works at the store at 1555 S Highland Avenue, also in Clearwater.
Publix stores will remain open as an essential service during the statewide 'safer-at-home' order. The company says it's taking measures to protect employees and customers. They include:
- A "heightened" disinfection program
- Quarantine and paid leave for associates who tests positive and others who came in contact with them
- Installation of plexiglass sheilds and registers, customer service desks and pharmacies
- Signs in stores reminding everyone of social-distancing guidelines
- Six-foot spacing markers at registers
- Adjusted store hours to allow more time for disinfection and restocking
(April 3)
As of 8:30 Friday morning there are 9,008 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Florida. 144 people have died from the virus.
9:07 p.m. (April 2)
Three employees from Tampa International Airport tested positive for COVID-19, the airport director said.
7:04 p.m. (April 2)
The Walt Disney Company says it will start to furlough employees starting this month.
6:18 p.m. (April 2)
Governor Ron DeSantis issued two new executive orders Thursday regarding re-employment assistance and mortgage foreclosure, eviction relief.
The governor said the additional assistance is needed after 348,511 unemployment claims were filed in the last two weeks.
That’s why all agency heads have been directed to assist the Department of Economic Opportunity with their re-employment assistance efforts.
Enhancing the response in both call centers and online submissions, but also expanding the department to accepting written filings.
“This system is not handling the needs of the people of Florida in an adequate way,” DeSantis said.
As for his second order, DeSantis is suspending both foreclosures and evictions for the next 45 days.
He mentioned that give the times this action is warranted and they wanted to put this in place to deter Floridians from losing their homes during hard times.