The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19

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The Florida Department of Health has issued some reminders, to help you reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.

These are some things you can do:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • Wear a face mask. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, or out in public, such as at a grocery store and other places.
  • Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.

Although people of any age can be infected by the virus, the health department reports that those who are most susceptible to serious health risks are those over age 65, and those with underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, lung conditions, diabetes and obesity.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include the following: Cough, fever, chills, muscle pain, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.

Symptom can range from mild to severe and appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your health care provide. If you have trouble breathing, get emergency medical care immediately.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the Florida Department of Health’s website, at FloridaHealthCovid19.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at CDC.gov.

Published July 22, 2020

Health News 07/22/2020

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Offering comfort, and a hand to hold
Dr. Brett Armstrong is a BayCare Medical Group general surgeon affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz.

During a 43-day period from March to May, Dr. Armstrong had little reason to be in the hospital, as he had no surgeries to perform, as elective surgeries were suspended because of COVID-19. Only those patients deemed immediately medically necessary or emergency patients were coming into the hospital.
In addition, from March 21 to the present, as a precaution and safeguard against COVID-19, few visitors are allowed at the hospital.

Dr. Brett Armstrong visited and sat with patients who had no visitors at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, during the pandemic shutdown. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Dr. Armstrong took it upon himself to come to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North to visit and sit with patients at various times during those 43 days, a hospital news release said.

Although the hospital uses technology like Skype and Facetime to help patients connect with families, Dr. Armstrong saw patients in the hospital who were without family to visit or hold hands.

He visited with COVID-19 patients, non-COVID patients, seriously ill patients near the end of life, and other hospitalized patients.

“We saw across the country that….people were dying alone,” Dr. Armstrong said, in the release. “As doctors, that is probably the most heartbreaking thing to see. That people would die for this (COVID) or various other reasons with no one with them.”

He thought of the families unable to visit and commended other team members at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North who also did bedside visits.

Tom Garthwaite, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president, said, “During the initial outbreak, Dr. Armstrong went the extra mile to volunteer to spend time with our COVID-positive patients who had a challenging diagnosis or were faced with an end-of-life situation. This compassionate, selfless act speaks to his character and kindness during our ongoing struggle with this viral pandemic and exemplifies the values of BayCare.”

Surgeries on pause
In anticipation of increased demand, effective July 17, the following AdventHealth West Florida Division hospitals in the greater Tampa Bay area will pause the scheduling of any elective surgeries that require an overnight stay, as long as the procedure can be safely delayed with no risk to the patient.

  • AdventHealth Carrollwood
  • AdventHealth Dade City
  • AdventHealth North Pinellas
  • AdventHealth Tampa
  • AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
  • AdventHealth Zephyrhills

At this time, AdventHealth will continue to perform same-day surgeries and procedures that do not require an overnight stay.

Case of ‘brain-eating’ amoeba confirmed by officials

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The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed one case of Naegleria fowleri in Hillsborough County.

“The amoeba can cause a rare infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) that destroys brain tissue and is usually fatal. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals,” according to a health department news release.

“Naegleria fowleri usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose,” according to information on the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control’s website.

A confirmed case of Naegleria fowleri has been found in Hillsborough County. The amoeba can cause a rare infection of the brain and is generally fatal. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals. (B.C. Manion)

“You cannot get infected from swallowing water contaminated with Naegleria,” according to the CDC.

“Infections usually occur when temperatures increase for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels. The peak season for this amoeba is July, August and September,” the health department says.

“Naegleria fowleri is found in many warm freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers in the United States, but is more common in southern states,” the health department adds.

Because there is a low number of cases, it is difficult to know why a few people have been infected compared to the millions of other people who have used the same or similar waters across the country, the health department says.

Though there are only 37 reported cases with exposure in Florida since 1962, the health department cautions those who swim and dive frequently in Florida’s lakes, rivers and ponds during warm temperatures to be aware of the possible presence of Naegleria fowleri.

To help prevent possible exposure, the health department recommends:

  • Avoid water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater, hot springs and thermally polluted water, such as water around power plants.
  • Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels.
  • Hold the nose shut or use nose clips when taking part in water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs.
  • Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas.
  • Please note, exposure to the amoeba may also occur when using neti pots to rinse your sinuses of cold/allergy-related congestion or conducting religious rituals with tap water. Use only boiled and cooled, distilled or sterile water for making sinus rinse solutions for neti pots or performing ritual ablutions.

Symptoms of exposure include headache, fever, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, loss of balance or hallucinations.

If you experience any of these symptoms after swimming in any warm body of water, contact your health care provider immediately. It is essential to seek medical attention right away, as the disease progresses rapidly after the start of symptoms, the health department says.

For the latest information about the amoeba, please visit the CDC’s website at CDC.gov/parasites/naegleria/general.html.

Published July 15, 2020

Health News 07/15/2020

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Autism license plate fund
Every year, the Florida Support Autism Programs specialty license plate generates funds that support nonprofit organizations providing direct services for individuals with autism and related disabilities.

In 2019, nearly $106,900 was awarded to nonprofit organizations throughout Florida bringing to life projects across the state.

All nonprofit organizations with a current Internal Revenue Service designation as a 501 C (3) exempt organization, and a current State of Florida Charitable Solicitation Registration number that are providing services to individuals with autism and related disabilities are eligible to apply for a grant. Proposals are due by July 31.

Visit AutismLicensePlate.com for information and how to apply.

HCA Healthcare update
HCA Healthcare West Florida Division hospitals in Hillsborough and Pasco, as well as Hernando, Citrus, Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties will delay certain inpatient surgeries and procedures, effective as of July 11, to free up capacity for COVID-19 patients.

This change does not affect hospital-based outpatient surgeries or procedures, nor those performed at HCA Healthcare Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

Medical Center of Trinity, Memorial Hospital of Tampa, Oak Hill Hospital, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and others are working with surgeons to identify appropriate patients for postponement of procedures that typically require a post-surgical inpatient stay.

Patients whose procedures are delayed will be contacted by their surgeon.

MOSI adds shoe sanitizing
As of June 16, the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in Tampa is utilizing the patented combination of Ozone + UVC technology as part of its safety plan for guests and employees, in combating COVID-19, according to a MOSI news release.

MOSI has placed the PathO3Gen Solutions (patho3gen.com) UVZone shoe sanitizing station at the entrance to the exhibit path to ensure guests not only utilize the technology first-hand (or foot), but also so guests can learn about the technology used in the station, as it was developed in STEM-related careers and research.

The patented technology is proven to be over 110 times more effective against deadly pathogens, and over 24 times more effective at eliminating human coronavirus, than UVC alone.

It eliminates up to 99.999% of the deadliest pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, and leaves zero human coronavirus reside on footwear.

It can be used with any footwear or shoe cover, and plugs into a standard outlet.

Officials urge caution, as COVID-19 cases ramp up

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Florida COVID-19 cases continue to rise, with 9,478 cases recorded on July 2, according to Florida Department of Health figures.

The day before, 9,529 positive cases were reported.

The surge in new cases has prompted additional measures to try to limit the spread, and has prompted cancellations of more planned events.

As the Fourth of July weekend approached, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees asked Floridians to do their part.

“As we head into this holiday weekend, I encourage all Floridians be diligent in avoiding closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings, and remember to wear a mask. Together, we must continue to take the appropriate steps to slow the spread of this virus,” DeSantis said, in a news release.

They also reminded those at greatest risk of severe complications to avoid crowds and minimize contact. People over age 65 and those with underlying medical conditions are most vulnerable to serious consequences from the virus.

“Many asymptomatic individuals are unknowingly carrying the COVID-19 virus in public,” Rivkees said, in the release.

As the number of positive cases rises, local officials are taking actions aimed at reducing the spread.

Local events continue to be scrapped.

Both the traditional Fourth of July parade in Lutz, and the Rattlesnake Festival and Rattlesnake Run set for October at the Pasco County Fairgrounds were canceled.

Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts also have dropped plans for traditional indoor commencement ceremonies, the districts initially had delayed. Instead, Pasco will have outdoor ceremonies at high school stadiums, and Hillsborough will have virtual graduation videos, and will have drive-thru diploma events at district high schools.

Mask requirements continue to evolve.

The City of Tampa and Hillsborough require masks indoors at businesses, where social distancing of 6 feet or more can’t be maintained.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles issued a similar mask order on June 23, which was discussed at the Pasco County Commission’s June 29 meeting.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley voiced his support for the mask order.

“Ever since COVID has started, we’ve been following the CDC guidelines, and in there it has been speaking of masks as ‘recommended,’” Oakley said.

“From that time until we issued that order, we never got any full acceptance of wearing masks. You go in businesses and probably less than half of patrons in those businesses — grocery store, wherever — have been without masks,” he said.

That changed, once the order was imposed, Oakley said.

“Every time I go into one of these businesses now, whether it be a drugstore or your Publix, or wherever, everyone has a mask on. So, the fact of it is, the order is to make us do what we should take responsibility, each of us, to do anyway to protect ourselves.

“The reason for this order, we are protecting our employees, all of our first responders and all of our citizens in Pasco County.

“We feel at this time, with COVID cases rising that this is what we need to do. None of us want us to shut down businesses.”

“If I go to a business, I put that mask on,” Oakley said.

Commission Chairman Mike Moore agreed that efforts must be made to stop the spread.

“Besides protecting the health of the community, I think we need to protect the health of our small businesses out there,” Moore said.

“If they go to a Phase 1 or a total shutdown again, it’s going to be bad. Really, really, really bad. We don’t need any of these small businesses having to close again,” Moore said.

The Pasco County School Board also has signaled support for mandatory masks on school buses and at school campuses, when school resumes. The details will be worked out by district staff.

Pasco Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd told board members, at a June 30 meeting, that planning for the coming school year has been challenging.

“The daunting task of staff is to bring some order to the chaos that I think we’re all experiencing at the moment,” Gadd said.

The infection rate for COVID-19 is spiking, Gadd said, adding “we’re not particularly optimistic about when that is going to change.”

He also noted: “The wearing of masks, for the executive team, is not an ideological issue. If  infection rates are raging, we want to have the option of requiring masks.”

Board members said they support that approach, but said the district should remain flexible, if conditions change.

School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin put it like this: “I would just rather be safe than sorry.

“The vast majority of teachers and staff members I heard from said they wanted the students to wear masks.

“Parents, right now, all I’m hearing is that they want to know, so they can make a decision. They want to know if we’re going to be requiring masks, or not. They need to know what we’re leaning toward, so they can make decisions,” Beaudoin said, referring to whether parents want their child to return to a school campus or to learn virtually, at home.

For more information about school reopening options, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us for Pasco schools and SDHC.k12.fl.us for Hillsborough schools.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees are appealing to Floridians to avoid the Three Cs:

  • Closed spaces: Closes spaces with poor ventilation could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air.
  • Crowded places: The greater the number of individuals in an area, the greater the chances of COVID-19 spreading from person to person.
  • Close-contact settings: Close-range conversations can contribute to the spread; be sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others.

Published July 08, 2020

Planning for the vulnerable during crises

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People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia especially can be vulnerable during disasters, such as severe weather, fires, floods, hurricanes and other emergency situations.

It is important for the caregivers of those afflicted to have a plan that includes the special needs of people with impairments in memory and reasoning that could severely limit their ability to act appropriately in a crisis.

In general, caregivers should be prepared to meet the needs of the family for three days to seven days, including having supplies and backup options when basic services like water or electricity, are lost, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross can provide information on how to make a general disaster preparedness plan.

And, the Administration for Community Living (ACL.gov) has a disaster planning toolkit for people with dementia.

Here are some tips from the NIA on how to plan ahead:

  • Caregivers should consider the needs of the person with Alzheimer’s while assembling supplies for the disaster kit. All supplies should be stored in a watertight container. A kit could include: incontinence undergarments, wipes and lotions; a pillow, toy or something the person can hold onto; favorite snacks and high-nutrient drinks; recent photos of the person; and, medical documents and medications.
  • If a move to a safer place is required, such as to a community shelter or someone’s home, caregivers should be sensitive to the Alzheimer’s patient’s emotions, by staying close, offering their hand, or giving reassuring hugs.
  • While planning an evacuation, know how to get to the nearest emergency shelters; arrange with someone else for transport; make sure the person with Alzheimer’s wears an ID bracelet; take general supplies and disaster kit; keep neighbors, friends and family informed about your location; keep comforting items on hand; and keep your cellphone charged.

For more information, including what to do in the case of caregiver/patient separation, and how to prepare for disaster situations, consider contacting these organizations:

• Eldercare Locator: Call (800) 677-1116, visit Eldercare.acl.gov, or email .

Published July 08, 2020

Health News 07/08/2020

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Shrinit Babel, left, and Emileigh Morissette (Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Volunteers receive scholarships
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s Volunteer Association recently presented two $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who have served as volunteers at the hospital.

Shrinit Babel graduated first in his class from Steinbrenner High School in Lutz, with a 5.8 weighted GPA. He plans to attend the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida, to study biomedical sciences, as he works toward becoming a doctor.

Emileigh Morissette graduated from Fivay High School in Hudson with a 3.9 weighted GPA. She also plans to attend the University of South Florida, to study health science, as she works toward becoming a physician’s assistant.

Donna Owen, director of volunteer and pastoral care, said these two teen volunteers demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also a kind and generous spirit with a desire to serve and inspire others.

Face masks made available
Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles issued an executive order as of June 25 that requires residents to wear face masks/coverings while indoors at any county government facility or public business, in an effort to slow the increase of COVID-19 cases.

The following locations, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, will now allow residents to pick up one mask per person:

  • Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, 38550 Fifth Ave., Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • East Pasco County Government Center lobby, 14236 Sixth St., Dade City
  • Pasco County Animal Services, 19640 Dogpatch Lane, Land O’ Lakes, Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m.
  • Pasco County Utilities-Central Branch, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • All Pasco County Fire Stations, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., when crews are available and while supplies last
  • North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, by appointment only. Call (813) 994-8534.

No Visitor Policy reinstated
AdventHealth West Florida Division as of June 29 has reinstated a No Visitor Policy for its hospital locations, except for special circumstances.

Visitation will be continued for special circumstances, including end-of-life situations. Other exceptions include:

  • Patients age 18 and younger may be accompanied by one adult visitor (parent, legally authorized person or caregiver). No additional visitors or siblings allowed.
  • Obstetrics patients can have one adult visitor.
  • Extenuating circumstances, such as imminent end-of-life or unique patient needs for support

These area hospitals have the No Visitor Policy in effect: AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

Other locations include Lake Placid, North Pinellas, Ocala, Sebring, Tampa and Wauchula.

Health News 07/01/2020

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Pelvic health for women
Dr. Vanessa M. Brockhouse,  a women’s pelvic health physical therapist, recently opened her practice in Wesley Chapel, Fruitful Womb with virtual and in-person sessions.

Dr. Vanessa Brockhouse

The practice emphasizes prenatal and postpartumin care, including preparation for birth, prenatal exercise and postpartum care to ensure good bowel, bladder and sexual health.

Brockhouse treats women with complex cases of pelvic pain, urinary conditions, bowel conditions, sexual dysfunction, orthopedic hip/pelvic pain, prenatal and postpartum conditions.

As an advocate for women, and a pelvic health educator, Brockhouse believes in addressing women’s health with a whole body approach, which allows identification at the root cause resulting in relief of symptoms.

Dr. Brockhouse’s office is at 2136 Ashley Oaks Circle, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

For information, visit FruitfulWombPT.com, call (813) 607-8776, or email .

COVID-19 facility doubles beds
Hillsborough County is in the process of contracting for an additional 60 beds at an assisted living facility that is serving as a transition unit for senior care facility residents diagnosed with COVID-19, County Administrator Mike Merrill announced on June 15.

The decision to pursue additional transitional beds at The Inn at University Village is a proactive step, Merrill said in a news release.

The Inn is for senior care facility residents who were hospitalized with the virus, but who do not require hospitalizations. The facility is serving as a transitional unit between the hospital and their senior care community for those patients while they wait for final clearance to return to their previous residence.

The patients are temporarily residing in a separate wing specifically designed for COVID-19 cases.

Teens and sleep
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), sleep problems also are a concern for teenagers, and the average teen needs about nine hours of sleep a night.

Children and teens who do not get that much may have problems getting along with others, and they may feel angry and impulsive, have mood swings, feel sad or depressed, or lack motivation. They also may have issues with paying attention, and may get lower grades and feel stressed.

In addition to the sleep tips offered to adults, teens can try:

  • Avoiding screen time at least an hour before bed
  • Banning all-nighters (don’t leave homework for the last minute)
  • Writing in a diary or on a to-do list just before sleep, to reduce stress
  • Sleeping no more than two hours later on weekend mornings than on weekday mornings

COVID-19 prompts local face mask requirements

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As Florida’s positive COVID-19 cases continue to climb, local officials are taking action to require the wearing of face coverings.

The requirements vary by jurisdictions.

Pasco County has joined the list of local governments imposing restrictions in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles issued an executive order on June 23, requiring everyone in Pasco County to use face coverings while indoors at a public business or county government facility. The order took effect immediately, with enforcement beginning on June 25.

While wearing an N95 mask for her safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda McCabe, of Dade City, confirms the amount of food bags needed for one of the cars that showed up recently for the Pasco County school district’s free lunch program, at the Pasco High School. (File)

There are exceptions to the order, which include children under age 2 and anyone with an existing health condition that would be complicated by wearing a mask.

Pasco County Code Enforcement is enforcing the ordinance, focusing first on education.

Under Pasco’s order:

  • Face coverings should cover nose and mouth.
  • All businesses and county government facilities open to the public must comply.
  • Businesses must ensure compliance, with those found in violation facing a fine of up to $250.

The county also announced the availability of face masks at several locations.

Those wishing to report a violation should call (727) 847-2411, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pasco County Schools issued a statement in response to the county’s order, noting that while the order doesn’t apply to schools, the school district will require masks or face coverings for employees and visitors.

Masks or face coverings will be required for anyone visiting any district school or work site open to the public, according to the district’s news release.

The county order and school district’s directive will remain in place indefinitely and both are subject to change as circumstances change.

These actions follow requirements imposed by the Emergency Policy Group of Hillsborough County, which voted 5-3 on June 22, to require face coverings be worn by customers and employees in indoor spaces of businesses, when social distancing of 6 feet cannot be achieved.

That order is automatically set to expire within 7 days of its adoption, unless renewed.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor imposed a face covering order on June 19, also requiring masks when inside any business within the city of Tampa, when not maintaining social distancing, excluding family members or companions.

Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees also has issued an advisory recommending “all individuals in Florida should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible” and discouraging social gatherings of more than 50 people.

The North Tampa Bay Chamber notified its members about the requirements for face coverings, providing links to the various government jurisdictions for more information.

The chamber also offered its members the opportunity to contact its office to obtain some free masks, through touchless pickup. The masks are being made available through the chamber’s partnership with the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Pasco County.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) also issued updated safety and operating guidance for members of the hospitality industry, to ensure the safety of employees and guests.

The FRLA is strongly encouraging all Florida residents and visitors to wear masks in public spaces, including at restaurants and hotels, and to practice social distancing.

“Ensuring employee and guest safety is of the utmost importance,” Carol Dover, the FRLA’s president and CEO said, in a news release.

“All Florida businesses must do everything possible to contribute to the health and safety of our communities. We are strongly urging all Floridians to adhere to statewide Executive Orders, comply with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and other business regulators, follow CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the Florida Department of Health recommendations on mask-wearing and social distancing. These collective efforts will help ensure the safety of all Floridians and our visitors,” Dover said.

Information available on the afternoon of June 26 showed that Florida had a total of 122,960 positive cases, including 8,993 on June 25. The state recorded 3,336 deaths of Florida residents and 98 deaths of non-residents.

Hillsborough County had 8,108 cases, including 7,941 Florida residents and 77 non-Florida residents.

The figures for Pasco County stood at 1,326 cases, including 1,314 Florida residents and 12 non-residents.

The median age of those testing positive was 35 statewide, compared to a median age of 31 in Hillsborough County. Pasco County’s median age for those testing positive mirrored the state’s age of 34.

Published July 1, 2020

Florida’s COVID-19 cases surpass 100,000

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Florida’s positive COVID-19 cases have exceeded the 100,000 mark, according to the most recent Florida Department of Health data available on the morning of June 22.

The state figures show Florida had 100,217 positive cases, including 98,047 Florida residents and 2,170 non-residents.

The state’s death toll stood at 3,173, including a 17-year-old male from Pasco County, whose death was recorded on June 19 in Florida Department of Health records.

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning announced Monday that he tested positive for COVID-19.

A news release from the school district said Browning experienced relatively minor symptoms, including fever, chills and general achiness since June 18, which led him to be tested.

The test came back positive on June 20, and Browning now is in isolation at home.

Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed the state’s rising numbers during a news conference on June 20.

He said the increase of positive cases results partially from widespread testing, but he also said that people in the 20-to-30 age group that are testing positive at a higher rate.

“Our cases are shifting in a radical direction, younger,” DeSantis said.

The governor said the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation will be enforcing social distancing requirements in businesses it regulates, with the aim of creating greater compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.

“You do hear reports about people just jampacked into some of these places,” DeSantis said.

The CDC’s guidance calls for maintaining a social distance of 6 feet.

“If you can’t social distance, it’s recommended you wear some kind of face covering,” DeSantis said. He doesn’t anticipate making that a state requirement, but he said he hopes people will do what they can to avoid spreading the virus.

The governor also reiterated the need for elderly people, and those with significant underlying conditions, to avoid crowds and take other measures to avoid exposure.

Despite the rising number of positive cases, DeSantis said Florida’s hospitals are well-positioned to treat COVID-19 patients.

“The whole reason the mitigation was done was to flatten the curve, so the hospitals wouldn’t be overwhelmed,” DeSantis said.

He also noted: “We have way fewer patients on ventilators today than we did in April.

“The ICU COVID hospitalizations are significantly down from where they were,” he added.

Plus, “daily fatalities have continued to trend down,” he said.

As of the morning of June 21, the national death toll stood at 119,615, which was 560 more than the previous day, according to the CDC. The national number of positive cases exceeded 2.2 million, including 32,411 more cases than the day before.

The Hillsborough Emergency Policy Group has approved a requirement that face coverings be worn by employees and patrons when social distancing is not possible within businesses.

The order will apply for seven days only, unless renewed.

Under the order, business operators must enforce the requirement for face coverings, except for categories exempted in the order. Individuals cannot be charged for failing to wear masks.

The emergency policy group approved the order on a 5-3 vote on June 22, after extensive discussion among policy group members, testimony supporting the requirement from the medical community, and public support and opposition.

Florida COVID-19
Positive cases, last 14 days
June 8: 1,151
June 9: 1,225
June 10: 1,655
June 11: 1,634
June 12: 2,319
June 13: 2,125
June 14: 1,767
June 15: 2,698
June 16: 2,420
June 17: 2,699
June 18: 3,308
June 19: 4,023
June 20: 4,664
June 21: 2,779

Case totals
Statewide: 100,217, including 98,047 Florida residents; 2,170 non-residents
Pasco County: 872, including 861 Florida residents, 11 non-residents
Hillsborough County: 5,973, including 5,904 Florida residents, 69 non-residents

Death counts
Statewide: 3,173
Pasco County: 17
Hillsborough County: 115
(Most recent data available)

Published June 24, 2020