The most sensitive part of the COVID-19 conversation in the Florida Keys right now is the low number of tests being performed in the Florida Keys, given our proximity to the largest outbreak of COVID-19 in Florida (Broward and Miami-Dade counties). Many of our readers have asked for a more serious and detailed accounting of attempts to control the outbreak in the Keys. The Keys Weekly sat down with Bob Eadie, administrator and health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, for a detailed look at the situation.
Eadie said he wanted to make three very important points before answering specific questions.
- Individually, the most critical thing the public can do is follow the basic hygiene instructions — wash your hands, keep your distance, stay home if possible.
- The amount of testing Monroe County is doing, he said, is immaterial. And, for that matter, so are the number of positive cases in Monroe County. “It matters whether you are sick or not. If you are having medical issues you need to see a doctor,” Eadie said. “Chances are much greater that you have the flu or cold than COVID-19. Your doctor needs to go through his normal diagnostic procedures.”
- Finally, if you think you’re sick DO NOT get in the car; DO pick up the phone. Call a healthcare provider and ask for specific instructions about arriving at the facility. Or call one of the hotline numbers (see sidebar). No one will be tested without an order from a health professional and everyone will be screened first.
- How many COVID-19 tests have been requested in Monroe County for Baptist facilities? Our last request brought us up to 400 tests for Monroe County, but that’s cumulative.
- How many have been received? I don’t know. We were supposed to get a shipment yesterday, but I don’t know what’s in it. Our health department has test kits right now, but we need to have the shipments that have been promised and are on their way. By the way, local doctors also submit their kit requests through us, as do the three hospitals.
- When were the test kits and other supplies requested and when were they received? Normally they come in daily, but that has been disrupted. It seems to be getting better lately.
- Who (which agency) provides the kits? They are starting to be funneled through the State of Florida. Before the shortage, we ordered like everybody else — through a medical supply house.
- How long does it take to get test results? Right now, from a state-run lab in Florida it takes 24 to 48 hours. From a private lab it takes three business days. In the beginning, all tests had to be shipped to the CDC in Atlanta. They are the ones that developed the medium and the enzymes and the nasal swab. But with more and more private labs coming on, those test results will be coming faster.
- The location of the first Keys’ positive test is very general and is listed as “Monroe County.” Why is it not more specific? If it meant that people should be taking different precautions in a specific area or neighborhood, we would indeed be releasing specific information. But this is the current policy from the state Department of Health to protect the patient’s privacy. As soon as a person tests positive, our staff begins investigating the case. We isolate that person and begin finding and testing the person who has been in close enough contact to warrant the test.
As of 1:30 p.m. on March 20, there is 1 confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Florida Keys. In total, 35 have been tested, 15 are negative and 19 tests are pending. If you need more information, call or visit these websites:
- Florida Department of Health 24-Hour Dedicated Hotline and Call Center, call 866-779-6121
- Florida Department of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
Monroe County Emergency Management — updated continuously with Monroe County information
