Hi John,
As cases of COVID-19 continue to appear across the country, it is important to stay well informed and equipped with the appropriate resources to keep you and your family safe during this difficult time.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or recently came into contact with someone who has tested positive, it is important that you call your healthcare provider or local health department in order to take appropriate precautions.
You can reach the Florida Department of Health's dedicated COVID-19 Call Center at
1-866-779-6121. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Residents can also send questions via email at [email protected].
For additional information, visit the Florida Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage here.
If you are in need of food, you can find local food banks near you here.
All Florida schools are closed until at least April 15, but that doesn't mean that our children will go hungry. Osceola, Orange and Polk County Schools will be distributing free pack-and-go meals at designated locations. Additionally, Toasted Restaurant is offering a FREE Kids Grilled Cheese meal Monday - Friday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to all students, who must be present at the time of ordering.
Seniors are particularly susceptible to the virus and have been advised to stay home. Meals on Wheels is committed to ensuring that they still get a meal delivered to their door -- depending on the geographical area -- for $8.00 per meal. For anyone, 60 and over, who is physically or mentally unable to prepare a balanced meal and has no one to prepare a meal for them, there are several programs that assist with the cost. If interested, please contact Wilda Belisle at 407-847-2144 or [email protected].
In Orange County, Meals on Wheels can provide 30 days of meals during a crisis situation. Seniors can purchase meals or apply for free meals by calling 407-615-8987.
In Polk County, daily meals can be delivered to those in need for $5.00 a meal. If interested, please call 863-299-1616, email [email protected] or apply online here.
Workers and Small Businesses:
Sudden closures have also impacted workers and small businesses drastically. If your small business has been impacted, you can apply for a loan through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. You can also apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the Small Business Administration here.
Florida is also waiving some long-standing Medicaid rules and regulations as the state prepares to treat poor, elderly and disabled residents who become infected with COVID-19. To see if you're eligible for Medicaid under these new guidelines click here.
If you are a veteran and you are experiencing symptoms, call your VA medical facility or call MyVA311 (844-698-2311, press #3 to be connected). Veterans can also send secure messages to their health care providers via MyhealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal. VA clinicians will evaluate veterans’ symptoms and direct them to the most appropriate providers for further evaluation and treatment. This may include referral to state or local health departments for COVID-19 testing.
If you need anything during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out by replying to this email or sending a separate message to [email protected]. I know that the uncertainty of the situation is scary, but by working together and practicing social distancing, we will overcome this and move forward.
Darren
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