4/2/20 @ 6:30 p.m.

as of 6pm, 2 additional cases have been confirmed bringing the total count in Nassau to 16.

From Emergency Management:

​As of 6:00PM, April 2 2020, FDOH Nassau has received two new cases with positive COVID-19 testing in Nassau residents. The first case is a 72 year old female who had contact with a confirmed case and is travel related. The second case is a 71 year old female who had contact with a confirmed case and is travel related. The Health Department is conducting case investigation and contact tracing on these cases. The individuals will remain in isolation until released by public health. This brings the total case count to date to sixteen for Nassau County.

4/2/20 @ 11:45 a.m. - The American Veterinary Medical Association has provided recommendations to facilitate preparedness and establish practices that can help people and companion animals stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes family pets, service animals, and/or working animals. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals can spread COVID-19.

The information shared by the American Veterinary Medical Association includes the below information  from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website:

Risk to People
Some coronaviruses that infect animals have become able to infect humans and then spread between people, but this is rare. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are examples of diseases caused by coronaviruses that originated in animals and spread to people. This is what is suspected to have happened with the virus that caused the current outbreak of COVID-19. However, we do not know the exact source of this virus. Public health officials and partners are working hard to identify the source of COVID-19. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to person. The coronavirus most similar to the virus causing COVID-19 is the one that causes SARS.

How to Stay Healthy Around Animals
In the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time. However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.

• Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.
• Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.
• Take pets to the veterinarian regularly and talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.

How to Protect Pets If You Are Sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed), you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. This can help ensure both you and your animals stay healthy.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them. Here's some CDC information on what to do if you are sick to prevent spread.


-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

This evening’s JIS Release includes a new positive case as of 6:30 p.m. this evening.

From Emergency Management:

​PUBLIC INFORMATION RELEASE – 03/31/2020 1830 HOURS
CONTACT: ASHLEY SPICER
PIO NASSAU COUNTY EOC
E-MAIL: NCEM@NASSAUSO.COM
FACEBOOK: NASSAUEM

JIS RELEASE #12

The “OneNassau” Joint Information System (JIS) continues to monitor rapid changes to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide timely, accurate and a unified message to Nassau County residents. We will provide updates each afternoon at 6pm and add timely messaging to our Facebook Page NassauEM and website Nassaufl-em.com.

Current Situation in Nassau County:

• As of 6:30 pm, March 31 2020, FDOH Nassau received a new case report of a positive COVID-19 test in a Nassau resident. The case is a 44 year old female with no known contact to a confirmed case and no travel history. The Health Department is conducting case investigation and contact tracing. The individual will remain in isolation until released by public health. This brings the total case count to date to ten for Nassau County.

As the Nassau case count continues to increase FDOH reminds the public to continue with community mitigation and prevention practices which include proper hand washing, social distancing and stay home if ill. More information about personal protective measures or COVID-19 go to the Florida Department of Health website at: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

• The Florida State Department of Transportation has implemented two highway check-points in Florida: southbound traffic along I-95 at the Florida Department of Transportation Weigh Station to stop and interview travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and to advise those travelers to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. The state is collecting contact information for each traveler from the so-called tri-state area. A similar check-point is set-up in Escambia County along I-10 to check travelers from NY, NY, CT and Louisiana.
• If you have questions about the checkpoints, you can visit FDOT.gov, FL511.com or call the Florida Department of Transportation at 866-374-3368.
• A reminder that guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health recommend residents to limit gatherings of no more than 10 persons.
• The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is at Level 2 Activation with enhanced staffing to take calls from the public and continue processing emergency requests for resources.
• Emergency Management and Department of Health personnel continue to monitor the situation in Nassau County and the State, and are prepared to respond to any changes in the community’s needs
• The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) website floridahealthcovid19.gov is a timely source about COVID-19 in Florida, but anyone with questions about the pandemic can call the Nassau County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 904-548-0900 or FDOH COVID-19 Call Center toll-free at 866-779-6121
• Nassau County Schools are providing meals for students – see https://www.nassau.k12.fl.us/ for more info- until a decision is made that it is safe for students to return to classes
• A number of Executive Orders have been issued that impact our local businesses. Business owners should complete the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) impact survey at https://floridadisaster.biz/; businesses experiencing economic injury may apply for a bridge-loan on www.FloridaDisasterLoan.org or Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan assistance at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
• For individuals who suspect they are positive, show symptoms, have travelled to a known “hot spot” area of the country, travelled overseas or come into contact with a person known to have tested positive, they should contact the primary care provider, DOH-Nassau at 904-875-6100 or seek testing at the federally approved site at TIAA Bank Field.
• Everyone (ill or not) should follow “social distancing” and infection control measures to protect the most vulnerable in our community.

Continue to take everyday precautions to reduce disease transmission:
~If you are at risk or have underlying health conditions, avoid crowds and maintain “social distancing” practices.
~ Stay home and away from others whenever ill
~ Cough/sneeze into your elbow, sleeve, or a tissue (and throw the used tissue into the trash)
~ Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place; if soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
~ Avoid touching common surfaces in public places – door handles, ATM buttons, handrails, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something; avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
~ Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces to remove germs every day (e.g., tables and counters, doorknobs, light switches, steering wheels, keyboards and mice, faucets, remotes, and phones)

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is the “clearing house” for Nassau County’s JIS and posts incident information regularly on the NassauEM Facebook Page and www.NassauFL-EM.com website. If you have questions, please call the EOC’s information line 904-548-0900 Monday-Friday 0800-1700 hrs, or message the EOC staff through the NassauEM Facebook page.

###

3/27/20 @ 5:30 p.m. - Yesterday, we conducted a Question and Answer session with County Attorney/County Manager, Mike Mullin. The questions used consisted of frequently asked questions we've had from residents  since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Topics discussed included: beach closures; outdoor recreation; lodging establishments; monitoring of individuals arriving to the County from the New York Tri-State area; and simulated gaming establishments

We hope that you find this information useful.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/27/20 @ 4:00 p.m. - Th Governor issued Executive Orders 20-80 and 20-82 mandating that individuals arriving in Florida through International Airports isolate or self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. Those Executive Orders did not apply to our local airport, or consider individuals arriving to our County by vehicle.

As a result, the County Manager just issued Executive Order No. 3 mandating the individuals from the NY Tri-State arriving in Nassau County by automobile, or any other method of motorized transportation, or through the Fernandina Beach Airport also isolate or self-quarantine for 14 days.

The Order also mandates that any lodging establishment or person or entity that is subject to the local Tourist Development Tax shall report to the Nassau County Health Department the names of the individuals and the room or location they are occupying. Anyone from the NY Tri-State area who is inquiring about rooms shall be advised that there is a mandatory self-isolation/quarantine requirement by the lodging establishment, person, or entity. Failure to do so will be considered a violation and subject to a second-degree misdemeanor. Additionally, any person who fails to self-quarantine shall be subject of up to sixty (60) days imprisonment and a fine of not more than $500, or both.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
srobertson@nassaucountyfl.com
 
Discussion Regarding Beaches in the County
 
Nassau County, Florida, March 27, 2020 –On Monday, March 30, 2020, a discussion will be held regarding the beaches within the City and the unincorporated areas of the county. Those participating will be: County Manager/County Attorney, Mike Mullin; Assistant County Manager, Taco Pope; Danny Leeper, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners; City Manager, Dale Martin; City Commissioner, Dr. Chip Ross; Sheriff Bill Leeper; Emergency Management Director, Greg Foster; and Health Director, Dr. Eugenia Ngo-Seidel.

As many of you know, the beaches were closed on Saturday, March 21, 2020, after portions of the beaches became overcrowded and concerns were expressed about the threat to public health due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We realize that this is a huge inconvenience to the public and we are exploring options to provide some limited access. During Monday’s discussion, the members will share thoughts from both the medical and enforcement aspect of how we can systematically address the beach including thoughts of amending current closure orders. The discussion topics will be provided to the City and County for their separate considerations.
 
We appreciate your patience as we work through this unprecedented event.
 

3/25/20 @ 9:30 a.m. - The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting at 10:30 to extend the Local State of Emergency. Florida Statute only allows a State of Emergency to be issued for seven days, therefore it has to be extended if an emergency still exists.

The meeting will be streamed live at www.nassauclerk.com.

For those who want to participate in the meeting or make comments without being in attendance due to social distancing, we offer you the following options:

1. Submit an email to comments@nassaucountyfl.com. Provide your name and address along with your comments. The emails will then be reviewed and read into the record at the meeting.
2. Call (904) 530-6009 and leave a message which includes your name, address and the comment that you would like shared for the record at the meeting.
3. If you would like to speak live at the meeting, call (904) 530-6009 and leave a message with your name, address and phone number indicating that you would like to be contacted telephonically during the meeting. Provide an indication of the subject matter and we will call you as the topic comes up on the agenda.

 
-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/24/20 @ 8:50 a.m.

Attached is today's One Nassau Joint Information System (JIS) Release #7 issued by Nassau County Emergency Management. It contains the most recent updates related to COVID-19 from around the County.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

3/23/20 @ 9:35 a.m. - The Board of County Commissioners has made some changes to County operations of departments under their authority to protect staff from possible exposure to COVID-19. Effective today, some departments will begin working in shifts to minimize the number of employees working at one time. Though we will continue with day-to-day operations, many of the lobbies will be closed to the public. We will continue to serve you over the phone or electronically through email and/or the website. Departments providing public safety services to the residents such as Fire Rescue and the Road Department, will continue to operate as normal.

For a complete list of departments, changes to operations, and methods to make contact, please see the attached Press Release.

 - Sabrina Robertson
   County Manager's Office

3/21/20 @ 4:55 p.m. - We regret to inform you that Executive Order No. 2 was just issued closing the County's beaches effective at 6am on Sunday, March 22nd. This includes all pedestrian and horse traffic, in addition to the vehicular traffic and camping that was temporarily restricted in accordance with Executive Order No. 1 issued earlier today. Any person on the beach after 6am tomorrow morning will be trespassed and subject to a misdemeanor in the second degree.

Should you have any questions, please contact the County Manager's Office at (904) 530-6010 between 8am and 5pm, Monday-Friday. Or you can email us at contact@nassaucountyfl.com. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office