JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry held another public briefing through a video conference on Friday morning. He said his office is devising a more specific guide to help employers navigate the changes amid COVID-19.
Curry said his office is still receiving complaints about companies and employers who are not following orders to allow employees to work from home if applicable and to not allow large gatherings of people. He said city officials may be contacting those who are violating those orders.
He reminded the public that next week they will announce new information about how the city will be financially helping small businesses that are struggling right now. Until then, he asked people to go to their website for more details on small business express loans, disaster unemployment assistance and similar resources.
Curry emphasized the importance of social distancing while working from home. He said, "working from home doesn’t mean block parties and congregating".
"These are unprecedented times," said Curry. "People have been thrust out of normal routines, people are out of jobs, people are struggling, businesses are struggling."
He urged people to take advantage of the resources listed on the city's website.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department said they are at a "level three" for PPE as they respond to call. Level three means they are wearing a mask, face shield, gloves and a disposable gown, which is what the CDC recommends. JFRD is currently only sending one person in hazmat to do evaluations when they are responding to calls to conserve resources, and then they call more people in if needed.
As more test results come back, Curry said that anyone who received a positive result should not go to the hospital, but rather, they should talk to their physician or the Department of Health. He said if their symptoms are mild they should stay at home and stay isolated. Anyone who has been tested should stay isolated until they receive their result.
When asked about why there are testing delays, Curry said it's due to the immense and unprecedented workload. They are working on getting tests back.
He again emphasized why the city of Jacksonville has not gone to a 'Shelter in Place" order, he said it is not the best decision for the city at this time and he does not want to resort to that because in cities where that is taking place people tend to be fleeing.
As of Thursday night, 182 cases of the coronavirus have been reported across the First Coast, according to numbers combined from both states' departments of health.
In Northeast Florida, according to Florida Department of Health:
- Baker County -- five cases
- Bradford County -- one case
- Clay County -- 20 cases, four deaths
- Columbia County -- three cases
- Duval County -- 82 cases, three deaths
- Flagler County -- eight cases
- Nassau County -- five case
- Putnam County -- 12 cases
- St. Johns County -- 36 cases, one death
There are a total of 2,484 cases reported in the state of Florida. In total, there have been 28 Florida deaths.
In Southeast Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Health:
- Camden County -- two cases
- Charlton County -- one case
- Glynn County -- six cases
- Pierce County -- one case
There are a total of 1,643 cases in the state of Georgia and 56 deaths.
For the latest updates on the virus and its impact on the First Coast, follow this live blog and join our Facebook group, Facts Not Fear: Your Coronavirus Questions Answered.
Links to bookmark:
- List | Schools, events closed or canceled due to coronavirus concerns
- List | Florida universities, colleges move classes online due to coronavirus concerns
- This interactive map shows all reported coronavirus cases in the world
- List: Grocery stores changing hours to stock as customers prep for COVID-19 quarantines
- Florida Department of Health's COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard