T
here are no reported cases of COVID-19 in Monroe County as of 11:30 a.m. on March 18. Although this crisis has been ongoing for weeks, the state Department of Health of Monroe County was not telling residents how many patients have been tested in the Keys. On March 17, it finally released that data: at the time, it was 11 tested, 5 negative and the rest of the results are still pending. On March 18, it said 21 patients are awaiting test results.
It is also unknown how many tests are available in Monroe County. County officials said on March 18 they are trying to distribute the kits among private physicians, as well.
The CDC criteria for testing have changed this week. Testing is now at the discretion of a health care official, but there is no longer a CDC directive that requires travel and exposure as a need for testing. That means a prescription is required to be tested for COVID-19.
For the most up-to-date COVID-19 numbers, visit floridahealth.gov and click on the newsroom tab. Under the trending topics header, choose “New Coronavirus.” On March 18, the health department — again — changed how it is reporting numbers. Now only totals are available, and not county-by-county numbers.
What if I think I am sick?
If you suspect you have COVID-19 and believe a test is needed, call your doctor first. DO NOT show up unannounced and DO NOT go directly to one of the health department clinics in Monroe County.
“Please, protect our health care workers. If they get sick, we ALL suffer,” Dr. Bruce Boros told the Keys Weekly. “For any patient with breathing problems, non-productive coughing and a temperature above 100 degrees: call the health care facility before you go there for help. Get specific instructions from staff over the phone BEFORE you enter the office and waiting room.”
If you do not have a doctor, call your local urgent care or clinic. These directions come straight from the CDC and state Department of Health in Monroe County. Patients must first see a medical health professional who will determine if you meet the criteria to be tested. The health department will then be contacted by the health professional if the patient meets the criteria for testing at the state lab.
For patients who meet the testing criteria, the state will conduct the test and samples collected by the Department of Health or the hospital. For patients who do not meet the testing criteria, samples can be sent to a private testing facility.
In Florida, state-run labs have the ability to run 5,300 tests a day, and private run labs are amping up facilities. State officials have said private labs will be able to process 50,000 tests a day in their facilities. Patients still must meet a doctor’s criteria for testing.
Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay has said that Trauma Star will not transport COVID-19 patients at this time. Monroe County Fire Rescue will transport life-threatening situations to the mainland regardless of COVID-19. As with any communicable disease, Monroe County Fire Rescue has policies and procedures in place to protect themselves and sterilize and protect future patients.
By the numbers
As of March 18 at 4:30 p.m., the state of Florida is reporting there are 314 confirmed cases, and seven deaths, of COVID-19 in Florida. Day to day, the state is changing how it reports those numbers. Up until March 16, residents could view a list of the persons infected with COVID-19 and learn what county they lived in, age and whether or not the virus was contracted through travel or community spread. Until March 18, the information available was the number of cases per county and age range. Numbers have reverted to a statewide count, and are not available county-by-county on the health department’s website.
Free health evaluations
Baptist Health is offering free urgent care visits via its telehealth app, Care On Demand, which can help limit the spread of COVID-19 by keeping people home and out of waiting rooms.
Baptist Health is encouraging people who may be experiencing symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 to stay home and see a doctor from their smartphone, tablet or computer via the Baptist Health Care On Demand app. Online health care providers can answer questions, evaluate your risk and provide support to relieve symptoms.
To access a free urgent care visit, download Baptist Health Care On Demand on the app store, and select “Cold & Flu Care (Coronavirus Concerns)” in-app. — Contributed
HOSPITALS modifY
visitING rules
Lower Keys Medical Center and Baptist’s Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals have modified visitor protocols to protect patients and caregiving teams. Entrances have been reduced and verbal screening of visitors will take place. The number of visitors may be limited, and only adults may visit. In addition, Mariners has closed its cafeteria and wellness center (gym). Call ahead to confirm visitor policies. Assisted living facilities and the detention center have also modified visits. Call ahead.
— Contributed
testing site
Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) was to begin testing its patients for coronavirus starting March 18 at its Doris Ison Health Center, 10300 SW 216 St. in Miami. Next week, CHI expects to add a testing location for its patients at the Marathon Health Center. Patients should call first.
— Contributed
