COVID-19 Information and Updates
Recent Updates
May 4, 2020
Today, most of Florida will begin phase one of its three-phase reopening plan set forth by Governor Ron DeSantis in Executive Order 20-112. This includes the reopening of on-site dining at restaurants, the reopening of retail stores to 25% capacity and elective surgeries being allowed to resume. Schools, bars, nightclubs, and personal services remain closed. Limited opening of beaches, state parks, and nature trails have also begun. Social distancing guidelines are still in effect statewide and have not changed. Those at highest risk for infection are still urged to stay home. All Executive Orders can be viewed by clicking here.
All Florida courts are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. On April 21, 2020, Chief Justice Canady issued AOSC20-28 to create the workgroup on the continuity of court operations and proceedings during and after COVID-19. The workgroup had its first meeting April 23, 2020 and is expected to make a variety of recommendations to the Chief Justice on how and when court operations can resume. The full list of charges can be found in the above-referenced administrative order. This is the one of the most recent Administrative Order issued by Chief Justice Canady in response to COVID-19 in the Florida State Courts System. Further orders may continue to be issued as the need arises during the pandemic. These statewide orders may be supplemented by local administrative orders issued by chief judges. For information on these orders, and to view a video message to all judges and court staff from Chief Justice Canady, please visit www.floridasupremecourt.org/Emergency.
For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, the Department of Health created a dedicated COVID-19 Call Center which can be reached at 1-(866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours a day. Inquiries may also be sent to COVID-19@flhealth.gov. FDOH continues to update its reporting on active cases, which can be found at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/. Please refer to that site for the most up-to-date information on the number of cases.
Information regarding COVID-19 from the federal government, including current guidance regarding face coverings, can be found at www.coronavirus.gov. The White House’s guidelines for “Opening Up America Again” can be found here.
The State Courts System emergency management group continues to monitor the situation closely.
To view previous updates, click here.
Reliable information is critical when dealing with a public health emergency. It is important to get your information from verifiable, reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Florida Department of Health. Please be mindful that not all sources of news and information are reliable and use your best judgment when relying on a website or other source for information. Below are a few reliable sources of information related to COVID-19.
Additional Resources
This page has a summary, live WHO Twitter feed, what you can do to protect yourself, workplace guidance, how to do your part to combat COVID-19, and more.
State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees is asking the following measure to be taken by residents and visitors are being asked to follow as well:
- Before planning overseas travel, please refer to CDC website for information and precautions.
- If you are returning from these areas, please self-isolate for 14 days after your return.
- If you are self-isolating and become ill, please contact county health department or your healthcare provider before seeking medical attention.
- Again, risk to general population is currently low.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Stay home if you are ill.
- Cover your cough and sneezes with tissue.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Facial masks, such as N95 respirators, are only necessary for medical professionals and those that are currently exhibiting symptoms.
