DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN MADISON COUNTY PROVIDES COVID-19 UPDATE, ANNOUNCES TWO NEW COVID-19 CASES 

 MADISON, Fla.—Madison County received confirmation of two additional cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. The persons ill with the virus are a 77-year-old female and a 72-year-old female with contact to a previously identified positive case. Both are isolated and receiving appropriate medical care at home. This brings Madison County’s total COVID-19 cases to 14, including 13 residents and 1 non-resident.

The Florida Department of Health in Madison County (DOH-Madison) is now conducting its contact investigation and working on identifying and notifying individuals who will need to self-monitor for symptoms for a 14-day period. Contact investigations are a critical way for staff epidemiologists to track and prevent the spread of disease.

A total of 87 tests have been processed for Madison County from private and public labs with 73 negative results. As more positive cases are anticipated, it is imperative that everyone practice social distancing and remain at home other than for essential and necessary activities. Everyone has a role in preventing the spread of the virus.

For Updated Information or Guidance

For up-to-date information, go to https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ and follow the prompts to the dashboard and detailed report, or click on the dashboard link here. To find the most up-to-date guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage. For information and advisories from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website. For more information about current travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, please visit the travel advisory website.

CDC updated recommendations for face coverings

The CDC now 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.

It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home

from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

COVID-19 symptoms and treatment

The symptoms of COVID-19 can mirror illnesses such as influenza. Patients with COVID-19 typically display symptoms such as fever (100.4°F or higher), cough, and/or shortness of breath within 2 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Approximately 80% of those affected with COVID- 19 report mild to moderate illness and experience a complete recovery. Some experience more severe illness. People who are more vulnerable to the illness include individuals who are over age 65 with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised, ill or have underlying chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. Many cases of COVID-19 can be managed at home by treating symptoms, and this is encouraged.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, call your health care provider. It is important to call ahead before visiting your health care provider. Offices must take proper steps to avoid further spread of COVID-19 when a concerned patient arrives for a medical evaluation. If you do not have a health care provider or health insurance, call Madison Medical Center at 850-948-2840 or DOH-Madison 850-973-5000 to determine if you meet the criteria for testing. Assistance with the steps outlined above may be obtained by calling our coronavirus information line at 850-973-5000, option 1.

Many cases of COVID-19 can be managed at home by treating symptoms, and this is encouraged. However, if you develop worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or inability to drink fluids, contact 911 and advise them of your symptoms as you may need treatment at a hospital.

Local Call Center Available 24/7

Individuals can call DOH-Madison’s COVID-19 call center 24/7 at 850-973-5000, option 1 for general questions about the virus. Individuals can also continue to contact the statewide COVID-19 hotline 24/7 at 866-779-6121 or COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Health care providers should continue to call DOH epidemiology staff if they have questions regarding testing.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.