Pinellas County Extends State Of Local Emergency Through Aug. 14

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday extended its State of Local Emergency declaration for COVID-19 through Aug. 14 after receiving an encouraging update suggesting that community spread is slowing.

Dr. Ulyee Choe, director of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, reported improvements in the 7-day rolling average for case counts and percentage of positive test results (184 and 6, respectively), but stressed that the county has a large vulnerable population and can see disproportionate impacts.

Dr. Angus Jameson, medical director for Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services, praised the county’s paramedics and firefighters for supporting COVID-19 mitigation efforts at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. County Administrator Barry A. Burton said the County has taken pressure off the health care system by opening two “Super SNFs,” which are specialized nursing facilities dedicated to caring COVID-19 patients, and by expanding testing to ease the demand on hospital emergency rooms.

The extension of the emergency declaration keeps in force a countywide ordinance requiring face coverings be worn and social distancing practiced in indoor public places. This includes a requirement that only seated and properly distanced patrons be served in food establishments. Public health officials credit those policies and personal responsibility for the improved outlook.

“We are making some headway here in Pinellas County, but we have a long way to go in battling this pandemic,” Dr. Choe said. “If this was a football game, we would probably only be in the second quarter. So, we cannot be complacent. We must not fall victim to COVID fatigue.”

Information about COVID-19 testing, the Pinellas CARES programs and CDC guidance, as well as a Data Dashboard and links to news releases and state and county orders, can be found at covid19.pinellascounty.org.

This press release was produced by the Pinellas County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.