Leon County Health Officer Briefs County Commissioners on COVID-19 

On Tuesday, February 26^th, Leon County Public Health Officer Claudia Blackburn provided members of the Leon County Commission with an update about COVID-19. Blackburn announced at the outset that Leon County has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at this time.

She explained that the department is actively working with local, state, and federal partners including the Florida Department of Public health and the Centers for Disease control and prevention to protect the health of the community. Blackburn provided information using a PowerPoint presentation.  The slide show produced by the Florida Department of Health covered issues of concern including symptoms, how the virus is transmitted, treatment, and prevention and care. She added protocols are in place to monitor those who are suspected of having COVID-19. Worldwide, more than 85,000 people have been infected with the virus. Most of them are in China, but now more than 3,000 cases have been confirmed in 60 countries.

Blackburn stressed public health workers always recommend the following everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of all viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For the best available information regarding COVID-19, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html. Also, the Florida Health Department is providing the best and most up-to-date information and guidance regarding the coronavirus now known as COVID-19 on a designated webpage, available at:

www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/index.html

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