By Jim McCarthy and Sara Matthis
Legislative session in Tallahassee is winding down as legislators work to approve a budget. But before they did that, members in the House and Senate swiftly approved a bill on March 16 to open up tens of millions in federal dollars to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Some $28 million in new federal funds will be used to increase capacity at state labs for more testing and case monitoring. The money, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was awarded to the state health department March 15.
“These funds will increase capacity in our state labs for more testing and support our efforts to investigate and monitor cases,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
The governor has opened the state’s emergency operations center to coordinate response to the outbreak. The center is at level 2, which activates the state’s emergency response team.
State Rep. Holly Raschein expressed her support of the governor’s overall response.
“It sort of ups the ante a little bit where he has his A-team with regards to emergency management, which is led by Jared Moskowitz, emergency management director, and Mary Mayhew, who’s the Health Care Administration secretary who deals with assisted-living facilities and nursing homes,” Raschein said. “There’s constant conversation with the secretary of state, Laurel Lee, and the surgeon general, Scott Rivkees. These are the people who are experts in the field who help Moskowitz answer questions and relay questions he might have.”
On March 1, DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-51, which directed Rivkees to declare a public health emergency, to equip Florida with the resources to handle this public health threat. On March 14, the governor directed Moskowitz to prohibit all visits to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family-care homes, long-term care facilities and adult group homes for 30 days.
As for state and local actions regarding public beaches and businesses, Raschein emphasized the importance of adhering to CDC guidelines and best practices.
“We need to be very cognizant. We don’t have any cases in Monroe County at this time, but that may change. Postponing gatherings is a fantastic way to combat the spread. On the flip side, small businesses should have one last fighting chance, if they can, if it’s not an extreme public health concern.”
LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS
All local municipalities issued state of emergency declarations earlier in the week.
Recommendations and actions will continue in weekly increments and can be canceled at any time.
“As much as I hate it, we need to try to avoid any areas where people will be in close proximity to others,” said Heather Carruthers, Monroe County mayor. “For these critical weeks, it is highly recommended that for your safety and the safety of others and to help us ‘flatten the curve,’ you avoid crowds and keep at least 6 feet away from others.”
Marathon City Manager Chuck Lindsey announced the closures of Marathon’s parks and Sombrero Beach at sunset on March 17.
“Residents need to use caution and heed the direction of the CDC and utilize safe distance and hygiene protocols. As recommended, all congregations of more than 10 people should be avoided,” he said.
All Islamorada village parks remain open, but meetings were canceled for March. The village council held an emergency meeting on March 17 to go over policy.
“It’s a sad thing to see,” Mayor Mike Forster said regarding the outbreak. “I never thought in my lifetime I would ever be sitting here talking about this and setting policy for our constituents in the next 30, 60 or 90 days.”
THINGS TO KNOW
• The Monroe County BOCC meeting in Key Largo for March 18 was postponed to April 15 in Marathon.
• Islamorada canceled all committee meetings, as well as its March 26 council meeting.
• Key Colony Beach canceled all non-essential meetings and activities in Marble Hall. Mayor John DeNeale said the city will continue to have regular meetings, but they will be remote sessions using available technology.
• Key West City Commission canceled a special session Tuesday evening to discuss coronavirus concerns and the local response.
• Marathon has canceled a code hearing, planning commission meeting and council workshop, all scheduled for March 19 through March 24.
