Health First

MedFast Urgent Care

The Department of Health-Brevard has partnered with Nomi Health, Inc. to provide COVID-19 testing starting August 30, 2021 at 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940. Tests are available to symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. PCR and rapid antigen tests are available. Appointments are required. For more information and to schedule an appointment, go to http://testing.nomihealth.com/signup/fl.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever of 100.4 or higher, cough, and shortness of breath. Those experiencing emergency warning signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, should immediately seek medical attention.

CDC Self Checker

Visit the CDC website for information on Testing for COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccine in Florida

Effective April 5, 2021, the following groups will be eligible for vaccination in Florida as prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration:

• Persons 18 years of age and older
• Persons Ages 12-17:  The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for persons age 12 and up. The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines are authorized for persons age 18 and up. All individuals under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine must be accompanied by a guardian and complete the COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form. More information

Florida Residency Requirement

On January 20, Governor DeSantis announced a residency requirement for all COVID-19 vaccines dispensed in Florida. In order to qualify for vaccination in Florida, individuals must be full- or part-time residents. Learn more.

Effective immediately, individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine must bring:

• All clients must provide identification
• Healthcare workers must provide proof of employment in addition to ID (examples: work ID badge, paystub, etc.)
• Individuals with an out-of-state ID must also provide proof of residency or semi-permanent residency (examples: utility bill, property tax receipt, lease agreement for a Florida property, etc.)

Pre-Register for Vaccination via MyVaccine

There is now a statewide pre-registration system for the COVID-19 vaccine, MyVaccine. Pre-registration is currently open online and via by telephone to individuals 65 years of age and older, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, healthcare personnel with direct patient contact, and individuals deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. Those who do not currently qualify for pre-registration may sign up to receive email notifications when vaccine requirements change. The MyVaccine system will replace Brevard County’s existing Eventbrite registration system.

Pre-registering with the MyVaccine system will allow individuals who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to be proactively contacted when vaccine appointments are available at state-supported vaccination sites. Once appointments are available, individuals will be contacted by phone call, text, or email, and will be assisted in scheduling an appointment. Please note that vaccine supplies are extremely limited.

Applicants may register online at https://myvaccine.fl.gov/. Brevard County residents can register by telephone by calling (866) 201-5420 or TTY  (833) 476-1525. Click link for a list of other counties’ contact numbers.

Pre-registering with the MyVaccine system will allow individuals who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to be proactively contacted when vaccine appointments are available at state-supported vaccination sites. Once appointments are available, individuals will be contacted by phone call, text, or email, and will be assisted in scheduling an appointment. Please note that vaccine supplies are extremely limited.

Please note: All vaccination appointments made through the Brevard County Eventbrite registration system will be honored.

Vaccine Pre-Registration Assistance for Seniors

Senior Partner Care Services is offering Brevard County seniors FREE assistance with online pre-registration for the COVID-19 vaccine. Please call (321) 253-6336 or visit the Senior Partner office located at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Melbourne, FL 32940 Monday through Friday, between 9am to 4pm.

Vaccinations for Homebound Citizens

Homebound individuals can apply for the vaccine through the State of Florida by emailing HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com.

Vaccinations in Brevard

Florida Department of Health – Brevard County

• FDOH-Brevard Announces Expanded Hours and no-appointment-necessary vaccinations for a limited time. To better serve Brevard County residents, the expanded hours will begin Thursday, April 15 at 4pm and continue daily from 4-7 p.m. through Tuesday, April 20 . No appointments will be needed on weekdays between 4-7 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
• FDOH-Brevard will continue to offer appointments for free COVID-19 vaccinations at the drive-thru distribution site located at 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940.
• Pre-Register for the COVID-19 vaccine via MyVaccine or by calling (866) 201-5420 or TTY (833) 476-1525.
• To receive text alerts from Brevard County Emergency Management when additional appointments are available, create a new text message on your mobile phone to 888777, write “Brevardeoc” in the text message body, and hit send. You will receive a welcome message confirming that you have successfully signed up for vaccine alerts.
• The Department of Health in Brevard is distributing the Moderna vaccine.
• Print and complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Consent Form to bring to the appointment for more efficient service.
• For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health – Brevard website.

CVS

• COVID-19 vaccinations are available by appointment only, visit https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Publix

• COVID-19 vaccinations are available at Publix pharmacies, sign up for vaccine appointments at https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida.

Viera VA Clinic

• Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system can call (407) 631-0499 to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
• This service is available to veterans only; spouses and family members do not qualify.

Walmart and Sam’s Club

• COVID-19 vaccinations are available, visit www.Walmart.com/covidvaccine to learn more and to sign up for an appointment.

Winn Dixie

• The COVID-19 vaccine is available by appointment only, visit https://www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine to learn more and to sign up for an appointment.

Where to Find Information About the Vaccines

Contact your healthcare provider or see the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccines webpage for the most credible, up-to-date vaccine information. This page includes the following guides and resources:

• 8 Things to Know about U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Plans
• Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
• Different COVID-19 Vaccines
• How CDC Is Making COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
• Ensuring the Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines
• Ensuring COVID-19 Vaccines Work
• Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccination

Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

Everyone should continue with mitigation practices as we await the vaccine and as distribution begins. 

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus (and avoid exposing other people). 

• Practice social distancing.
• Wear a cloth face cover in public.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces.

See more about preventing COVID-19.

Avoid Vaccine-Related Scams

Attorney General Ashley Moody today issued a Consumer Alert warning Floridians about COVID-19 vaccine scams that involve misleading webpages charging for vaccine appointments. Recent reports show scammers used the popular event website Eventbrite to pose as county health departments and take or attempt to take payments in exchange for COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Consumer Protection investigators and criminal prosecutors in my office are aggressively pursuing reports of scammers taking money in exchange for phony COVID-19 vaccine reservations. If you have been a victim of this scam, please contact my office so we can end this fraud and help protect those seeking vaccinations.”

States are overseeing the free COVID-19 vaccine distribution rather than the federal government. To help manage appointment scheduling, several counties in Florida have turned to ticketing services like Eventbrite; however, no county is charging for vaccine reservations.

Attorney General Moody recommends the following tips to help Floridians avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related scams:

• Know that anyone asking for money in exchange for an appointment is a scam;
• Check with county health departments for local vaccine distribution guidelines;
• Be wary of any website where pop-up ads solicit a vaccine appointment;
• Look for “https” or a padlock icon in the website name to ensure that you are on a secure website; and
• Report suspicious solicitations or COVID-19 vaccine-related advertisements to the Attorney General’s Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

Monoclonal Antibody Treatment

On August 17, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the opening of a state-run monoclonal antibody therapy treatment site for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 or considered high-risk if infected. The treatment site will operate daily from 9:00am until 7:00pm and is located at 951 Kiwanis Park Road, Merritt Island. To make an appointment, visit www.patientportalfl.com. Walk-ins are also being accepted at this time.

Monoclonal antibody treatments can be prescribed by healthcare providers to individuals 12 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are at a high risk for severe illness and hospitalization. However, to support Governor DeSantis’ initiative, there is currently a standing order in Florida signed by the State Surgeon General that allows patients to receive this treatment without a prescription or referral if administered by an eligible healthcare provider. Such referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatments are available at no cost to patients.

The antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to treatment guidelines, they should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. Providing access to the antibody therapy may assist in alleviating demand on hospital resources and helping to ensure Floridians have access to all potential treatments that can help them recover from COVID-19. Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Health continue to encourage Floridians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Holidays and COVID-19

Enjoy holiday activities and take steps to protect yourself from getting or spreading COVID-19. CDC Holiday Guidelines

Florida COVID-19 Information Hotline

The Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 information hotline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (866) 779-6121 or by email at COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Florida Outbreak Data: See the latest outbreak data in Florida  View Stats

The 211 Helpline is available 24/7 to connect you with resources for food, mental health, legal support and more. Those in need of help can dial 2-1-1 or call (321) 632-6688. Visit United Way of Brevard for additional information.

Brevard County Emergency Management

State of Florida - COVID-19 Resource Center

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Rent, Mortgage & Utility Payment Assistance

Residents and households facing hardship due to COVID-19 should contact the City’s Housing & Community Development Division for information regarding assistance with rental, mortgage and utility payment assistance.

The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program for the Elderly (EHEAP), a 100% federally funded program, helps eligible seniors pay energy bills in an emergency. In partnership with the Department of Elder Affairs, Senior Resource Alliance, and its partner agencies, along with Central Florida utilities, EHEAP-eligible residents can receive up to $2,000 for multiple energy bills while funds are available. More information on EHEAP

211 Relief Fund

The 211 Helpline is available 24/7 to connect you with resources for food, mental health, legal support and more. Those in need of help can dial 2-1-1 or call (321) 632-6688. Visit United Way of Brevard for additional information.

Brevard Public Schools COVID-19 Updates

Get the latest updates from Brevard Public Schools

Child Care

Safe and affordable child care is a necessity for essential workers and all families who are eager to get back to the workplace. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic ChildCare.gov has created a new page where parents can connect with state specific resources to help them find, and pay for child care now during the COVID -19 pandemic and as the economy rebounds.

Parents, child care providers, and businesses can find direct links to state specific COVID-19 state resources at the top of every ChildCare.gov webpage. The page includes:

• the opening status of child care
• access to emergency child care (for essential workers)
• child care financial assistance
• help finding child care

ChildCare.gov is operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Child Care (OCC). OCC administers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and works with state, territory and tribal governments to provide support for children and their families to find child care programs that will fit their needs and that will prepare children to succeed in school.

Community Feeding Operations

For information on food pantry locations and how to access help, utilize the United Way of Brevard’s COVID-19 Community Resource guide. It is recommended that you call ahead to verify availability.

Coping / Mental Health Resources

If you find that you or someone you know needs help dealing with the stress of COVID-19 resources are available. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service offers a Disaster Distress Hotline available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990. Users can also text TalkWithUs to 66746 for text-based support.

Eviction and Mortgage Foreclosure

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky has signed an extension to the eviction moratorium further preventing the eviction of tenants who are unable to make rental payments. The moratorium that was scheduled to expire on March 31, 2021 is now extended through June 30, 2021.

To invoke the CDC order, all adults listed on the rental agreement, lease, or housing contract must provide an executed copy of the Declaration Form to their landlord or the owner of the residential property where they live.

The order does not relieve any individual of any obligation to pay rent, mortgage payments, or comply with any other obligation related to a tenancy, lease, or similar contract, nor does it preclude the collection of fees, penalties, or interest as a result of the failure to pay rent or other housing payment on a timely basis, under the terms of any applicable contract. These persons may still be evicted for reasons other than not paying rent or making a housing payment.

Eviction Moratorium

The U.S. Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) is issuing a new order temporarily halting evictions in counties with heightened levels of community transmission in order to respond to recent, unexpected developments in the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rise of the highly transmissible Delta variant. Following the recent surge in cases, the CDC Director now issues a new Order temporarily halting evictions for persons in counties experiencing substantial or high rates of transmission, for the reasons described herein. This Order will expire on October 3, 2021, but is subject to further extension, modification, or rescission based on public health circumstances.

The new eviction moratorium provides immediate relief for the 6.5 million renter households who are currently behind on their rent and who were at an increased risk of eviction when the federal eviction moratorium expired on July 31. Recent research estimates that up to 80% of households behind on rent and at risk of eviction live in communities with over 100% COVID-19 case growth rates in July. The new moratorium will help keep renters safely and stably housed, and it will provide state and local governments more time to distribute emergency rental assistance (ERA) to households in need.

The new moratorium:

• Covers all renters living in communities experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, an estimated 90% of all renters; and
• Protects renters for up to two months, through October 3.

More Information on the Eviction Moratorium

Internal Revenue Service

COVID-19 Tax Relief - Economic Impact Payments

The IRS has a new Get My Payment tool that allows you to check your Economic Impact Payment status. Check status of your Economic Impact Payments

Reemployment (Unemployment) Assistance

The Florida DEO provides Reemployment Assistance (formerly Unemployment Compensation) offering temporary wage benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Don't qualify for reemployment assistance? Many individuals that were deemed ineligible for state benefits may be eligible for federal benefits through the PUA program.

Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboard - DEO has provided information on the number of reemployment assistance claims submitted and processed.

Space Coast Area Transit

Visit 321Transit.com/Fares to purchase passes online, view bus terminal locations, and libraries that participate in bus pass sales. We care about your safety. Please wear a mask when riding.

Check 321transit.com for updates.

Protect Yourself Against Scams

First and foremost, remember, Government agencies will never ask you for money as it relates to the Coronavirus.

Fraud & Scam Protection: The Department of Justice is remaining vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis. Find out how you can protect yourself and helpful resources on DOJ’s Coronavirus Fraud Prevention website. The Federal Trade Commission has also established a website with helpful information to help consumers avoid coronavirus-related scams.

Reporting Fraud - click here for more information on how to report fraud.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

On March 27, 2020 Congress approved and the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act).  Brevard County Board of County Commissioners has approved investing the CARES Act funds to assist individuals, families and small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Small Business Economic Relief Program

The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners allocated $10 million of Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for the Brevard County Small Business Economic Relief Program (SBERP). The SBERP will provide eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with grants of up to $10,000 for recovery and stabilization of business operations. Learn more at Brevard CARES Resources.

Small Business Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program

The Board of County Commissioners allocated $500,000 to a Small Business Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program. Learn more at Brevard CARES Resources.

Workforce Recovery Program

The Board of County Commissioners partnered with CareerSource Brevard for a Small Business Workforce Recovery Program and allocated $750,000 to the Program. Learn more at Brevard CARES Resources.

City of Palm Bay – Community & Economic Development

The City offers up-to-date resources for local businesses impacted by COVID-19 and has developed a Business Resiliency Toolkit, providing guidance for navigating the current economic crisis. Business resiliency planning can help to mitigate the impacts and disruption of disasters like COVID-19 and allow businesses to continue to function and return to normal as quickly as possible.

Contact the Community & Economic Development Department by emailing econdev@palmbayflorida.org or call (321) 409-7187.

Back2Business Directory

Palm Bay businesses that are permitted to re-open as well as those that have been able to remain open during COVID-19 are encouraged to input their business hours of operations, website and contact information to let residents and consumers know that they're open for business. This initiative is two-fold: support local business and provide needed products and services to residents.

The Back2Business Directory is limited to businesses operating within the city limits of Palm Bay. Business owners are required to maintain updates to their business information on the website. The Back2Business Directory is available at www.palmbayflorida.org/back2business. The Back2Business Directory serves as a key component of the first phase of the City's initiative to Open Up and Recover, known as OUR Palm Bay.

Back to Business Re-Opening Practices

As part of the first phase re-opening efforts, the City of Palm Bay has launched the OUR Palm Bay initiative in support of area businesses. The OUR Palm Bay campaign, short for “Open Up and Recover,” provides resources to assist businesses with resiliency planning, the identification of funding opportunities, and support re-opening of Palm Bay business, to include a Back2Business Directory whereby businesses that are open under the Governor’s Executive Orders may register to let residents know that they’re open for business. The OUR Palm Bay initiative also includes several local waivers, flexibilities, and temporary relief programs relating to business resumption within the city limits of Palm Bay.

OUR Palm Bay Waivers and Accommodations

• Building Permit fees waived for all projects valued at $50,000 or less
  • Valid June 1^st through September 31^st, 2020
• Code Compliance amnesty for eligible properties with old liens that are now in compliance
  • Valid June 1^st through December 31^st, 2020
• Penalties waived for delinquent Business Tax Receipts (BTRs)
  • Valid for businesses with 100 or fewer employees at each licensed location
  • Penalties for BTRs not renewed by October 1^st, 2020 will be waived through December 31^st, 2020

The re-opening of Palm Bay businesses is a key step in our community’s road to recovery following the outbreak of COVID-19. Make this step safely by following public health recommendations to protect employees and customers as we work together to get back to business in OUR Palm Bay.

Social Distancing

Practice social distancing in the workplace. Consider rearranging workspaces to ensure that employees are separated by a distance of at least 6 feet. Floor markings or signs may be used to remind customers to maintain social distancing guidelines.

Healthy Hygiene

Promote healthy hygiene in your business by encouraging employees to wash hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content may be provided for employees and customers if hand washing facilities are unavailable.

Personal Protective Equipment

Encourage the proper use of personal protective equipment such as facemasks and gloves as needed, Disposable gloves and masks should be disposed of appropriately after use to limit accidental exposure. A cloth facemask may be used when interacting with others to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Cleaning

Regularly clean and sanitize your place of business. Frequently touched surfaces should be disinfected daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

As mandated by Governor DeSantis, businesses must take a phased approach to re-opening. Operation at 25% occupancy will ensure employees and customers have adequate space to proactive proper social distancing. Restaurants are required to separate dining tables by a minimum of at least 6 feet. Outdoor dining certificates are available and will be approved on a case-by-case basis by Land Development staff.

Stay Home

You should stay home if you are sick or if you believe that you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Employers may consider alternative working arrangements such as telework and should maintain leave policies and practices that are consistent with public health guidelines. The CDC does not recommend that businesses require employees to submit a positive COVID-19 test result to approve sick leave due to a high demand for testing and wait times.

In response to COVID-19, the State of Florida has activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on local business operations to help direct State resources and enable access to federal programs. The City encourages any business affected by COVID-19 to complete the survey.

Results from the survey will be shared with state agencies and local partners. Surveys submitted by small businesses can be used to access the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan, made available through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Documentary Stamps for SBA Loans

Governor DeSantis issues Executive Order 20-95 suspending assessment and collection of taxation imposed for all notes and written obligations (SBA guaranteed loans) made under Title I of the CARES Act 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan provides small businesses with working capital loans up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. Learn more.

Express Bridge Loans

The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll by providing each small business a loan up to $10 million for payroll and certain other expenses. 

If all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, SBA will forgive the portion of the loans used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgivable.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)

Short-Time Compensation Program for Employers

Florida DEO offers Short-Time Compensation Program to help employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff. The program permits prorated reemployment assistance benefits to employees whose work hours and earnings are reduced as part of a Short Time Compensation plan to avoid total layoff of some employees.

Re-employment Assistance Program for Employees

The Florida DEO provides Reemployment Assistance (formerly Unemployment Compensation) offering temporary wage benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Emergency Bridge Loan Program

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announces the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to provide funding support to small businesses across the State impacted by the pandemic. These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance. Learn more.

Department of Revenue

Department of Revenue has extended the deadlines for Sales Tax for adversely affected taxpayers due to COVID-19. Learn more.

Economic Development Commission (EDC) of Florida’s Space Coast

The EDC of Florida’s Space Coast offers a list of regional resources available to assist businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce

Keep in touch with your local chamber, the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce for continued support.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. CARES Act Small Business Guide and Checklist

FPL COVID-19 Business Resource Center

FPL have put together some resources for businesses as they begin to reopen and resume normal operations. Visit FPL Business Resource Center to find information about:

• What demand energy is and how it works
• Tips on how to minimize your demand energy
• Federal funding resources

Errands and Going Out

Before deciding to head out, know your risks and consider the newest CDC guidelines on Errands and Going Out

Avoid touching your face, which includes your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Hand Washing

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If you don't have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Social Distancing

Social distancing measures are taken to restrict when and where people can gather to stop or slow the spread of infection diseases. Social distancing measures include limiting large groups of people coming together (no groups larger than ten), closing buildings, and canceling events. Also, try and keep at least six feet between you and other people.

Do not shake hands, here are some other ways of social greeting.

• Just say “hello”
• Smile
• Wave
• Give a nod

Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you're sick except to get medical care.

Clean and Disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Face Masks

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

Cloth face coverings should:

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Visit the CDC website for more information on how to make your own cloth face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Visit the CDC website for information on Testing for COVID-19