Osceola Health Department wrestling with demand of COVID-19 test requests, 13 cases now

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  • A sign on the front door of the Florida Department of Health-Osceola instructs residents to push a call button and wait outside if they think they have the coronavirus.
    A sign on the front door of the Florida Department of Health-Osceola instructs residents to push a call button and wait outside if they think they have the coronavirus.
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The Florida Department of Health-Osceola supply of COVID-19 (coronavirus) tests has have been depleted as it’s trying to keep up with the demand of residents asking to be checked for the sickness.

The department recently had drive-through tents set up its Fortune Road location in Kissimmee, but had to halt that practice because it’s running out of tests, said Bret Smith, assistant heath department director.

“We have been working extremely hard to protect our citizens, we have screened nearly 1,000 concerned citizens and tested 98 people that meet the state and CDC guidelines over the last four working days,” Smith added.

The assistant director said they are expecting a new supply of tests from the state and will likely perform test testing again.

As of Thursday, there were 13 confirmed cases with another 68 cases pending, Smith said.

The department of Health-Osceola is still offering COVID-19 testing, “however it is critical for people to call 407-343-2000 and get the screening done over the phone and schedule an appointment for the testing if needed, before arriving,” Smith stressed.”

The department will test if you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath and meet any of the following criteria:

  • Travel to or from a geographic area with widespread community transmission within the last 14 days.
  • Traveled internationally or taken a cruise within the last 14 days.
  • Close contact with a person with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 (coronavirus) within the last 14 days.
  • Persons 65 and older with chronic health conditions.
  • Any immunocompromised person. 

According to the Osceola Health Department website, those who meet criteria should contact their health care provider. The health care provider will work with the local county health department to determine if they should be tested for COVID-19. If you do not have a health care provider, contact the health department.

 Additionally, FDOH-Osceola encourages everyone to:

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County staff is dedicated to serving the public and doing everything within our power to protect their health and safety,” Smith said.

For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, contact the department’s COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-866-779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours a day. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

State ordering supplies

On Wednesday, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced that is was ordering additional supplies and personal protective equipment in an effort to mitigate and contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

After conducting a thorough assessment of needs, Moskowitz has requested the following supplies through Direct Federal Assistance:

  • 5 mobile intensive care units
  • 5,000 ventilators
  • 5,000 hospital beds
  • 50,000 2 ounces bottles of hand sanitizer
  • 250,000 coveralls
  • 500,000 gloves
  • 500,000 gowns
  • 500,000 collection kits
  • 100,000 16 ounces bottles of hand sanitizers
  • 150,000 Personal Protective Equipment kits, including coveralls, gowns, and goggles   
  • 2 million N95 face masks

Supplies are being delivered on a rolling basis, and inventory is being distributed throughout the state 24 hours a day.

Three field hospitals are being deployed:

  • One field hospital is currently staged in Orlando and can be deployed to other areas in the state as needed.
  • One field hospital is on its way to Broward County and will be set up there.
  • One field hospital is on its way to Ocala and will be staged there and deployed to other areas as needed.