COVID-19 DAILY UPDATE
In an effort to help our citizens keep up with the flood of information regarding COVID-19, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office will be providing updates at the end of each weekday. CCSO is working with our community partners to operationalize the Governor’s recent “Safer at Home” order. More information on compliance will be provided, be on the lookout for more direct guidance and information in the near future.
**NOTE** A list of all workforce infrastructure deemed as essential under the state mandated order can be found online at www.floridadisaster.org
If you have any questions regarding any of the information provided within the update, please see the contact list at the bottom of this post and contact the appropriate organization/agency.
CONFIRMED CASES *NEW INFO*:
- 57 Laboratory Confirmed cases
- Inverness: 26
- Crystal River: 8
- Citrus Springs: 2
- Lecanto: 6
- Hernando: 5
- Homosassa: 3
- Dunnellon: 3
- Beverly Hills: 3
- Floral City: 1
- 5 Reported Deaths
- Total tests: 764
-Additional information regarding the city of origin for these cases can be found on the Florida Department of Health (DOH) online dashboard and daily report
-While these numbers are provisional and subject to change, the number of cases reported in each county or municipality go off of the case's home address, which is verified prior to release.
CLOSURES:
-All Courts of the Fifth Judicial Circuit will be closed through FRIDAY MAY 29TH -All End-of-Term Finals that were originally scheduled in May for middle and high school students
-Jury duty on Wednesday, April 8, 2020; Monday, April 13, 2020; and Monday, April 27, 2020.
-Businesses not deemed “essential” by the Governor’s Executive Order #2020-91
-Inverness and Crystal River City Halls
-In person marriage license applications. Please complete marriage license applications online at the Clerk of Courts website and then call to set up and appointment.
-Libraries
-Several CCSO volunteer run programs (Crime Watch, Fingerprinting Services, Seniors VS Crime, Beverly Hills store front)
-Florida schools will be closed through FRIDAY, MAY 1ST
-Citrus County Transit's fixed (Orange) route. Para-transit is available to accommodate grocery shopping, medical prescription access, and medical appointment needs
- Citrus County Supervisor of Elections. Voter registration can be completed online
- City of Crystal River aquatic, for profit tourist attractions to include: guided tours and charter boats that exceed the 10 person limit
-All Florida Forest Service offices and facilities
-All Citrus County parks and recreation areas (Including state parks, i.e. Rails to Trails)
- City of Inverness & Crystal River parks and recreation areas
-Dine-in restaurant areas
-Gyms/ fitness centers
-Bars/ night clubs
-Cash paid tolls on Florida highways (Sunpass and Toll-by-Plate still available)
EXECUTIVE ORDERS:
-*NEW INFO* #2020-97 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Municipal Elections in Pasco County
-Administrative Order A-2020-12-D – per Chief Justice Charles T. Canady – Court Operations Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
-#2020-95 Executive Order re: COVID-19 Emergency Order – Documentary Stamps for SBA Loans
-#2020-94 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief
-#2020-93 Executive Order re: COVID-19 Emergency Order – Reemployment Assistance Program
-Administrative Order A-2020-21-A titled-Amended - Administrative Order Regarding Emergency Temporary Standing Order Regarding Parenting in Domestic Relations Cases.
-#2020-92 Executive Order amends Executive Order 20-91 re: Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency
-#2020-91 Executive Order re: Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency
-Administrative Order (A-2020-18) - COVID-19 - per Judge Daniel B. Merritt, Jr. - Court Ordered Supervised Department of Children and Families Visitation During the Public Health Emergency
-Administrative Order (C-2020-16) - COVID-19 - per Judge Mark J. Yerman - Use of Uniform Notice to Appear for Misdemeanor Offenses
-#2020-89 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Monroe County Public Access Restrictions
-#2020-88 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Re-employment of Essential Personnel
-Administrative Order (AO-SC20-19) - COVID-19 – per Chief Justice Charles T. Canady - Emergency Procedures for Speedy Trial in Non-Criminal Traffic Infraction Court Proceedings
- Administrative Order (AO-C-2020-19) –COVID-19 - per Judge Ric Howard - All persons entering the Citrus County Courthouse shall be screened and body temperature taken before access is allowed
-FWC executive order # 20-09 – COVID-19 – A minimum distance of 50 feet between recreational vessels and any other vessel shall be maintained and recreational vessel occupancy is limited to no more than 10 persons per vessel
-#2020-87 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Vacation Rental Closures
- #2020-86 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Additional Requirements of Certain Individuals Traveling to Florida
-#2020-85 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Telehealth and Immunizations for State Group Insurance
-#2020-83 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Protective Measures for Vulnerable Populations, Gatherings of Private Citizens and Density of the Workforce
-#2020-82 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Isolation of Individuals Traveling to Florida
-#2020-80 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Airport Screening and Isolation
-#2020-72 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Non-essential Elective Medical Procedures
-#2020-71 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Alcohol Sales, Restaurants, and Gyms
-#2020-70 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Broward and Palm Beach County Closures
-#2020-69 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Local Government Public Meetings
-#2020-68 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 regarding bars, beaches, and restaurants
-#2020-52 Executive Order re: Emergency Management – COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
-#2020-51 Executive Order re: Establishes Coronavirus Response Protocol and Directs Public Health Emergency
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:
-*NEW INFO* CareerSouce of Citrus, Levy, and Marion counties is providing virtual job coaches to assist those out of work due COVID-19, and is also offering curbside pickup for unemployment applications.
-The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has extended their hours to 7 days a week
-Duke Energy is taking measures to drastically lower utility costs for customers
-Digital library services for eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other online resources will be maintained and available 24/7 through the Citrus County Library System’s website
-The Department of Health is offering curbside testing BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
-The Citrus County Clerk of Courts is offering online court document filing through TurboCourt
-Citrus County schools are offering Tech Tips for parents and children struggling to adjust to online learning
-The Citrus County Sheriff's Office has activated their Citizen Information Line to provide citizens with answers to Citrus County specific inquiries related to COVID-19 (Medical questions should still be directed to the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County at (352) 527-0068)
-The Citrus County School District has opened up student meal distribution sites at 11 schools and 35 bus stop locations. A List of distribution sites is available on their website
-FEMA has approved Crisis Counseling Assistance for individual assistance in reference to COVID-19
-The Pregnancy and Family Life Center is offering food delivery from their pantry to individuals with no transportation or means of getting groceries on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
-Seven Rivers Church in Lecanto has a team of volunteers to help with grocery or prescription pick-up or drop-off, and urgent supplies
-Renewals for FWC set to expire in March or April have been extended for 30 days
-Marriages postponed due to COVID-19 should contact the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for marriage license extension options
-Free property fraud prevention reporting via the Clerk of Courts website
-The Citrus County School District has created an online FAQ guide for parents, https://bit.ly/2JfAJ1V
-The Citrus County Tax Collector has extended the 2019 property tax deadline until April 15th, 2020
-The City of Inverness Department of Community Development has created a system for contractors to obtain permits online, or through the mail.
-Citrus County School District electronic device rentals open to assist families with online learning. Visit their page for rental schedule
-Court fines can be reassessed by the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
-Drivers Licenses expiring within the next 30 days will be extended by the Tax Collector’s Office
- Duke Energy will not be discontinuing service for non-payment until the national state of emergency is lifted
- LifeStream is providing crisis intervention for those needing mental health assistance
BUSINESSES:
-The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce is offering assistance for displaced employees and small businesses
-For a list of local restaurants participating in takeout/delivery services, please read the comments of our Local Eateries Facebook post listed at the end of this post or visit the Chronicle article
-All complaint regarding businesses not complying with Gov. DeSantis's Executive Order should be made to the DBPR
-Small Business assistance loans are being provided by the Small Business Development Center - SBDC at UNF
SCAMS
Unfortunately, some individuals take advantage of difficult times and attempt to defraud other members of the community. Scams can be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud of the State of Florida Attorney General Office. Be on the lookout for:
-Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online
-Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
-Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
-Individuals seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
-Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
- Companies offering to sell N95 masks for a significant mark up
-Online "virus map" links that infect your computer with malware. Utilize the CDC website for updates
-Door-to-door scams offering COVID-19 testing
-Phone calls claiming to send you testing kits in exchange for payments or gift cards
HOW TO HELP:
-PARTICIPATE IN RUMOR CONTROL BY ONLY SHARING INFORMATION VERIFIED BY THE CDC, THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, FWC, AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
-Wear a face covering or mask that meets the CDC guidelines in an effort to prevent person-to-person virus transmission.
-Donate medical supplies to one of the six locations listed in CCSO’s news release
-Volunteer with Meals on Wheels to deliver food to those in need. Background check required
-Do not flush napkins, paper towels, baby wipes, or “flushable” wipes as they can cause issues such a clogs and pump malfunctions within the County’s sewer systems
-Donate to a local food bank. Contact Feeding Florida to find a bank near you
-Adopt or foster a pet from Citrus County Animal Services. Adoption fees have been waived for the time being
-Donate blood to local blood banks. Visit LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to see how they have made the process safe for donors
CONTACT INFORMATION:
-Center for Disease Control - www.CDC.gov
-Department of Health – https://floridahealthCOVID19.gov
-CDC Guidelines for homemade cloth masks - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
-CareerSource - https://careersourceclm.com/newsroom/
-Florida Department of Economic Opportunity – (800) 204-2418
-CCSO Medical Supply Donation News Release - https://www.facebook.com/sheriffcitrus/photos/pcb.2845510998838017/2845945115461272/?type=3&theater
-Duke Energy Savings News Release – https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-florida-takes-action-to-reduce-residential-customer-bills-by-nearly-21-in-may-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
-List of essential infrastructure from Homeland Security – https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce#download
Executive Order 2020-91 (safer at home order) - https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-91.pdf
-National Center for Disaster Fraud- Hotline: 1-866-720-5721, Email: disaster@leo.gov
-Citrus County Meals on Wheels – (352) 726-0350
-Citrus County Schools Tech Tips - https://bit.ly/3dI1rOP
CCSO Citizen Information Line - (352) 249-2775
-FEMA Crisis Counseling - https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/428
-The Pregnancy and Family Life Center – (352) 344-3030
-Florida Attorney General's Office-1-866-9-NO-SCAM
-Seven Rivers Church – (352) 746-6200
-FWC - www.myfwc.com
-Citrus County Library Services – www.citruslibraries.org
-Citrus County Transit – (352) 527-7630
-Citrus County Supervisor of Elections – www.votecitrus.com
-Citrus County Chamber of Commerce - (352) 795-3149
-Citrus County Tax Collector - (352) 341-6500
-Citrus County Parks and Rec - (352) 527-7540
-Citrus County Schools - www.citrusschools.org
-Citrus County Clerk of Courts - www.citrusclerk.org
-Crystal River Parks and Rec - (352) 697-0933
-Inverness Parks and Rec - (352) 726-2611
-SBDC - (866) 737-7232
-DBPR -http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/eo-complaints/
-Feeding Florida - www.feedingflorida.org
-Citrus County Animal Services - www.citruscritters.com
-Life South - (352) 527-3061
-LifeStream- (866) 355-9394
-Inverness Department of Community Development - DDS@Inverness-FL.gov
FDOH Online Dashboard - https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/96dd742462124fa0b38ddedb9b25e429?fbclid=IwAR2XIXvc6mRhwF_r3C9jD0dBQmkocwST4mb9LdsCMDvxZqOrnKXeyA3V0TQ
FDOH Daily Report –
https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/
LIST OF RESTAURANTS:
https://www.facebook.com/sheriffcitrus/photos/a.381903015198840/2827006590688458/?type=3&theater
