Coronavirus Information: Tampa Bay Health and Medical Preparedness Coalition Updates, Screening and More

March 26, 2020

Stay-at-Home Orders and Support for People at Home/In Facilities

EasyLiving sent out updates to our clients, families and professionals in light of shelter-in-place orders. The governor announced a state-wide advisory for those aged 65+ and with underlying conditions, but cities and counties are also issuing wider orders. EasyLiving workers will continue to provide support to clients at home and in care facilities. Read more here and reach out to us if you have concerns or need help.

Tampa Bay Health and Medical Preparedness Coalition: Coronavirus Information

The Tampa Bay Health & Medical Preparedness Coalition staff will be putting together a summary of updates regarding preparedness for and response to COVID-19 and coronavirus information in the region. These situation reports will come out later in the day, to include key information from conference calls and meetings that day. Follow EasyLiving’s blog (subscribe in the right column) and Facebook page, where we will share important updates.

As of the report last night, Hillsborough County had 12 hospitalizations and 123 coronavirus cases. Pinellas had 16 hospitalizations, 54 cases. Pasco had 4 and 18.

Some information about Personal Protective Equipment for healthcare professionals:

Providers can make requests for PPE (masks, gowns, gloves, face shields, etc.) and other critical supplies that
are not available commercially should be made to their county Emergency Operations Center. As supplies come into the state, the EOCs will be prioritizing and fulfilling them.
Providers BEWARE of PPE scams! Johns Hopkins shared information on the following scam: Tyler Burger / Xcess Supply is contacting healthcare facilities offering to take orders for N95 masks. However, no dates on provision could be given and prepayment was required. DO NOT BUY from them.
Mask-Match.com is a volunteer-run peer-to-peer platform helping people with spare N95 and surgical masks send them directly to healthcare workers on the front lines who need them. Health care organizations can sign up to receive donated masks on their website.

Healthcare workers traveling during curfews:

Some areas of the state may begin establishing curfews for residents. Essential workers should prepare now by having their work badge or letter from the employer/facility, a form of identification and the FDOH Letter to Law Enforcement in their vehicle at all times to ensure their ability to travel to/from the workplace. EasyLiving has supplied letters to our caregivers.

You can read the rest of last night’s situation report here.

Coronavirus Information and Resources

Florida Resources

FDOH COVID-19 Data & Surveillance Dashboard

FDOH COVID-19 Website

Federal Coronavirus Resources

Updated Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, & Testing Clinical Specimens for COVID-19

CDC COVID-19 Situation Updates

CDC’s COVID-19 Self-Checker (The purpose of the Coronavirus Self-Checker is to help make decisions
about seeking appropriate medical care. This system is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or other conditions, including COVID-19. This system is intended only for people who are currently located in the United States. This system does not replace the judgment of healthcare professionals or the performance of any clinical assessment.)