Leon County COVID-19 Community Update for August 3

August 3, 2020

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, Leon County Emergency Management is committed to actively monitoring the disease and coordinating preparedness efforts with local health officials, healthcare providers, first responders and other critical emergency response functions.

The following update provides a timely, accurate and vetted source of official County and community information.

Significant Changes Since Last Update

Governor DeSantis extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures until September 1.

The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) released new guidelines for workers to return to the job after testing positive for COVID-19. Previously, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) included the option for workers to return to the job after two negative COVID-19 tests. Now, the CDC has revised its guidance, listing symptom-based criteria as the preferred option. Per the Florida Department of Health and the CDC, a COVID-19 test is not required for a person to return to work after being infected with COVID-19. A letter from the health department that clears the person to return to work should suffice. Employers are encouraged to direct employees to call the Leon County Health Department COVID-19 Call Center and request a letter. The number is (850) 404-6300 press 1. Each person will be evaluated for release, which is an average of 10 days. However, this time period could be longer based on individual health circumstances.

Free COVID-19 Testing available at Home Depot (1490 Capital Circle NW)

Nults take 4-6 days, to view results click HERE or text "MAKO" to 66349

Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) distributes cloth face coverings to businesses. Beginning Tuesday, July 7, face coverings are available at the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality. A business with one location is eligible for up to 100 face coverings. Local businesses with multiple locations are eligible for up to 200 face coverings. For FAQs regarding the distribution of masks to businesses, click here.

Office of Economic Vitality (315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 110, Tallahassee, FL, 32301) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

County offering free face coverings for pickup at all Libraries. Leon County continues to make free face coverings available for pickup at all County library locations during regular hours. Through the library program and with OEV, the County has distributed nearly 275,000 masks to citizens. Five face masks per individual will be allowed to ensure adequate supply to meet demand. For locations and hours click here. 
It’s Not Too Much to Mask Campaign. Leon County launched the social media campaign, It’s Not Too Much to Mask to encourage the use of masks and facial coverings in public. If you’d like to participate, post a masked-up selfie and share why you wear a mask and for whom using #MaskOnLeon.

COVID-19 by the Numbers. Global cases of COVID-19 now surpass 18 million. According to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) there are or have been 4,448 positive cases of COVID-19 in Leon County. In Florida, there are or have been 491,884 positive cases of COVID-19, and 7,157 COVID-19-related deaths. These numbers are updated regularly by FDOH; visit the dashboard for more detailed information, here. Local testing date includes public and private tests performed in Leon County, including Antigen tests performed by Patients First.