Clay County officials gave an update Wednesday afternoon on the latest numbers for the county and announced what business and places are open and closed as the county starts the reopening process amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
John Ward, Director of Emergency Management, said as of Wednesday morning there have been 333 positive cases of COVID-19 and 25 deaths. With a 7.51% death rate. There has been 85 hospitalizations total due to the coronavirus. 7,235 tests have been completed with 6,898 tests coming back negative. The county has a 4.6% positive COVID-19 testing rate.
Along with testing being done at primary care clinics and walk-up clinics, there is a drive-up testing site in Clay County located at The Bear Run Health Department Clinic. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and then 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at 3229 Bear Run Blvd. in Orange Park. Call 877-252-9362 to schedule an appointment.
In order to receive the lab results from COVID-19 testing, you need to ensure that your phone does not have calls from private or blocked numbers disabled, as that is what the lab calls under, according to Ward.
As we enter Hurrican season Ward, said now is the time to make sure that you are prepared and to go to alert.claycountgov.com for more information.
Howard Watermaker, County Manager, then detailed a list of expected openings throughout the county and how to get in touch with each department.
Vacation rentals should be open by this Friday morning after the county gets its reopening plan approved by the State of Florida.
Tattoo shops are still not allowed to be open at this time, Watermaker said.
Beginning Friday, playground equipment at all Clay County parks will be open for use.
On June 5, Camp Chowenwaw will be open for overnight camping and day-use facilities can be reserved starting July 1. Reservations can be made by calling 904-259-8058.
Basketball courts and multi-use fields will reopen on July 1 and reservations can be made by emailing parksandrecreation@claycountygov.com.
May 26, librarys will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at 50% capacity. There will be an hour limit placed on computer usage and wifi will be available.
Also on May 26, gates at the animal shelter in Green Cove Springs will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended and it's first come first serve. Contact them at 904-269-6342 or clayadoptions@claycountygov.com.
All tax collectors' offices are open with limited capacity from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Everyone is asked to please wear a mask if they come. Call 904-269-6320 or claycountytax.com for more information.
The property appraisals Orange Park office remains closed but the main office located in Green Cove Springs is open for walk-ins from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 904-269-6305 or contact ccpao.com for more information.
The Supervisor of Elections Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It can be reached at 904-269-6350 or clayelections.gov.
The Orange Park Clerk of Court office is open by appointment only. The Middleberg and KeyStone Offices remain closed. Schedule an appointment by calling 904-541-2784 or email clayclerk.com.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office lobby remains closed so call ahead to visit them at the non-emergency number 904-264-6512 or email claysheriff.com.
Watermaker said for Clay County residents to "Please remain vigilant and stay safe as we enter Memorial Day weekend."