Jacksonville Coronavirus Updates And Recovery Resources

Press release from the City of Jacksonville:

April 08, 2020

MyJax is your connection to city services and information. Submit a request for service, check the status of your request or find answers to city related questions by calling the 630-City Help Line at (904) 630-2489 or by visiting MyJax Online.

United Way of Northeast Florida’s 211 Helpline is available 24/7 to connect Northeast Florida callers to health, social, and human services and more than 4,000 community programs. To contact a 211 call center specialist, dial 2-1-1 or (904) 632-0600 from any landline or cell phone. To search the 211 database, visit the United Way website.

Financial Recovery Resources (Individuals/Families)

Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a federally funded benefit program that assists individuals who become unemployed because of a disaster.

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program: The United States Bartenders Guild’s National Charity Foundation has launched a program for bartenders in need of assistance during the coronavirus outbreak. The Bartender Emergency Assistance Program is meant to aid service industry personnel experiencing financial difficulties as a direct result of the outbreak. Eligible applicants can receive a grant, in undisclosed sums, to help pay their bills.

United Way 211: If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other services, use the search bar to find your local 211 or dial 2-1-1 to speak to someone who can help.

Reemployment Assistance: Individuals who may be eligible for Reemployment Assistance include: (1) those who are quarantined by a medical professional or government agency; (2) those who are laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employer due to COVID-19 concerns; (3) those who are caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19. Download the Florida Reemployment Assistance paper application. You can also visit the DEO website for additional resources.

Reemployment Assistance FAQs: The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has produced a Reemployment Assistance COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions guide.

CareerSource Northeast Florida (NEFL): The regional workforce development organization, will be making available paper Reemployment Assistance (unemployment) applications from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO.) A limited number of applications will be available for pickup in front of eight CareerSource NEFL Career Center locations. To ensure the safety of visitors and employees, the applications and envelopes will be available outside the centers for self-service. No staff will be available onsite. View CareerSource NEFL locations.

Short-Term Compensation Program: If your employer establishes a Short-Time Compensation Plan and you meet the qualifications to file an reemployment assistance claim in the state of Florida, you will receive a partial reemployment check to supplement your reduced paycheck.

National Restaurant Associations’ Restaurant Employee Relief Fund: Created to help restaurant industry employees experiencing extraordinary hardship in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Through this Fund, grants will be made to restaurant industry employees who have been impacted by COVID-19, including a decrease in wages or loss of employment.

Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation: Resources for Restaurants and Workers Coping with the COVID-19 Emergency.

Financial Recovery Resources (Businesses)

General

In partnership with the City of Jacksonville, VyStar Credit Union is creating a COVID-19 Response Business Community Relief Loan program to provide critical aid to local businesses. The initiative will provide low-cost loans with less stringent underwriting requirements and flexible repayment terms to Duval County small businesses in need. Apply here for the COVID-19 Response Business Community Relief Loan program.

Small Business Relief and Employee Retention Grant program: In partnership with VyStar Credit Union, the City of Jacksonville's COVID-19 Small Business Relief and Employee Retention Grant program will provide low-cost loans with less stringent underwriting requirements and flexible repayment terms. Maximum loan amounts are $100,000 with a fixed interest rate of 5.99%. Loan approval and funding should take place in 3-5 days. This program requires interest-only payments for the first year to ensure repayment costs remain low as the small business work through pandemic response and rebuilding periods. Principal and interest (P&I) payments begin in year 2 at an amount sufficient to repay the loan in 60 months. The City will provide grants and reimbursements of interest and/or principal balances to businesses that meet certain criteria, including employee retention and re-hiring of their workforce. The City-provided benefits are eligible for loans made in the first six months of the program, with an optional six-month extension. To qualify, a business must have between 2 and 100 employees in addition to business owners. The business must have at least one (1) year in operations and provide the most recent year’s filed tax returns. To apply, interested businesses and nonprofits should visit VyStarCU.org/CoronaVirus and fill out the application.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. Eligible businesses include the following: small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations. Businesses can apply for loans online through a 3-step loan process. Download the U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans Fact Sheet.

JAX Chamber COVID-19 Resources: The JAX Chamber is gathering information so they can connect their members to resources and opportunities for their businesses and employees. They urge Jacksonville businesses to take steps to protect employees while ensuring continuity of operations.

Private Sector

Florida SBDC Business Disaster Recovery Assistance: If your business was adversely impacted by a state or federally-declared disaster, your business may qualify for a no-interest state and/or a low-interest federal business disaster loan when activated.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program: Short-term, interest-free working capital loans which are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major disaster hits and when a business has secured longer-term recovery resources. The program provides a short-term loan of State of Florida public funding. It is not a grant and must be repaid.

SBA Express Loan: Emergency loans up to $25,000 through local certified express lenders, a subset among all SBA certified lenders, empowered to take the application and fund the loan directly with SBA backing to the lender.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA): Applies to all employers with 50-500 employees where workers have been impacted in their ability to work due to the declared disaster, health symptoms, or have children unable to attend school. Due to the financial burden that places on the employer, a related tax credit is also implemented.

Short-Term Compensation Program: The Short-Time Compensation program is a voluntary employer program designed to help employers maintain their staff by reducing the weekly working hours during temporary slowdowns instead of temporarily laying off employees.

US Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): Access small business guidance and loan resources.

Nonprofit Sector

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida, United Way of Northeast Florida and United Way of St. Johns County have re-activated Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund. The fund will assist organizations helping those in Northeast Florida affected by this public health crisis.

Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida’s COVID-19 website: Information and resources. For nonprofits having a hard time meeting the work from home executive order, contact Deidre Conner who serves as the Senior Director at the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida by emailing her at dconner@nonprofitctr.org.

United Way of Northeast Florida Volunteer Portal: Supporting nonprofit agencies with volunteer needs in response to COVID-19.

United Way of Northeast Florida’s Disaster Relief: Find resources, update agency services on 211 and more.

United Way of Northeast Florida’s 211 Helpline and Resource Directory: Serves an important role in providing the community information about disaster assistance resources. Register your organization and/or update your contact information and available resources.

Florida Nonprofit Network’s Coronavirus Resources

Mental Health Resources

Duval County Resources

Family Foundations: Counseling for families and individuals and a comprehensive set of mental health services to youth, adults, seniors, individuals, and families in need of affordable mental health and family counseling services. Please call (904) 396-4846.

Jewish Family & Community Services: Counseling for families, couples, and individuals as well as mental health services to children, adults, seniors and families coping with challenges. Please call (904) 448-1933.

Mental Health Resource Center: Psychiatric medication management and counseling for adults; short-term psychiatric stabilization services for adults and children who are experiencing a mental health crisis; comprehensive assessments, psychiatric evaluations, physical examinations, medication management and individual and group therapy. Please call (904) 695-9145 or (904) 642-9100.

Northwest Behavioral Health: Mental health outpatient counseling, day treatment, and case management for children and adults. Please call (904) 781-0600 or (904) 781-7797.

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone in Jacksonville: Mental health services via televideo or telephone to post-9/11 veterans, their families, and active duty families. The clinic telephone number - (904) 431-3500 - will be available during business hours, as before, and veterans, military families and outside organizations can continue to call directly to the clinic for an appointment.

Mental Health Hotline for Seniors - (904) 702-2552 - A partnership between the City of Jacksonville Senior Services Division and Memorial Hospital for seniors who may feel isolated or have stress and anxiety over COVID-19.

State-wide Resources

Florida Blue is offering a free 24-hour, 7-days a week bilingual emotional support helpline for all Floridians during COVID-19 Health Crisis. Any Floridian, including those who are uninsured or insured by another company, can call (833) 848-1762 for help dealing with feelings of stress, anxiety, grief or fear related to COVID-19.

Children/Youth Resources

Healthy Families: Services beginning prenatally and offered until the child reaches the age of 5 if needed. Services are typically offered through home visits and include parenting support/education and connections with necessary resources. The program has a Behavioral Healthcare Navigator to assist families with being connected to mental health services where needed. These services are being offered virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact Healthy Families Jacksonville Program Manager, Marsha Davis, at (904) 608-2554.

Full Services Schools: Services are available to meet the emotional, behavioral and mental health needs of students K-12 in Duval County Public Schools. Services will continue during while maintaining social distancing through virtual and telephonic mental health counseling for students who are already linked with services and those that need emotional support due to COVID-19. To access services either email the school social worker directly or email mentalhealthpsa@duvalschools.org.

Senior Resources

Memorial Hospital Help Line: The City of Jacksonville, ElderSource and Memorial Hospital have partnered together to provide a support line for individuals who are 55+ and live in Duval County. If you are experiencing any stress or anxiety due to the COVID-19 situation, help is just a phone call away at (904) 702-2552. Connect to a mental health professional who can provide immediate support and connections to further resources. This help line is available Monday – Friday from 11:00am-3:00pm.

Supportive Resource Links for Helping to Cope with the COVID-19 Outbreak

Taking Care of your Behavioral Health: tips for social distancing, quarantine and isolation.

NCTSN Fact Sheet: Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID 19).

CDC: COVID -19: Manage Anxiety & Stress

CDC: Taking Care of your Emotional Health

CDC: Helping Children Cope with Emergencies

SAMHSA: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health During and Infectious Disease Outbreak: Tips for social distancing, quarantine, and isolation.

SAMHSA: Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Taking Care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty

National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource

National Alliance on Mental Illness: COVID-19 Information and Resources

Arts & Culture Virtual Resources

The Jacksonville Symphony has joined multiple international orchestras in broadcasting music to help raise the spirits of the community during this time. Watch their broadcast live or view them at a later time by visiting the JaxSymphony Facebook page, JaxSymphony YouTube channel, or Jacksonville Symphony website.

MOCA Jacksonville has launched MOCA smART Online, a free virtual museum experience designed to bring MOCA Jacksonville to people at home. From live-streaming interviews with artists and virtual gallery tours of exhibitions on view to fun activities at home for the entire family, they will gradually grow their dynamic new platform to provide people a window into the world of contemporary art.

The St. Johns Cultural Council will present a series of online concerts featuring St. Johns County based artists during the month of April. Concerts will be presented Monday through Friday evenings at 7 p.m. through the Cultural Council Facebook page, beginning on Wednesday April 1st.

Child Care

First Coast YMCA is providing childcare services from 6:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday at six YMCA locations. They are primarily serving health care, first responders and other essential workers.

Hope Haven is opening its doors to care for children with special needs, ages 3 to 5, whose parent or caregiver is considered “essential personnel.” Care will begin Monday, March 30 and will extend Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., until further notice. Parents are asked to contribute any amount feasible, but not required (weekly rate is $425). Please email or call Linnie Harrington linnieh@hope-haven.org or (904) 346-5100 ext. 303, for details and to sign up.

Seniors

ElderSource: Seniors in need of assistance or with questions can call the ElderSource Helpline at (904) 391-6699 or (888) 242-4464. For more information, individuals can also visit the ElderSource website.

Senior Services Division: The City of Jacksonville Senior Services Division administers community-wide social service programs serving older adults in Jacksonville/Duval County. For assistance, call the 630-City Help Line at (904) 630-2489 to access resources and services.

AARP has launched a website for AARP Mutual Aid Groups, which are informal groups of volunteers that band together to find effective ways to support those people most in need who live in their local community. Mutual aid can include picking up groceries, providing financial assistance, or lending emotional support to your neighbors. Learn more by visiting AARP’s website.

Veterans

The Florida Veterans Foundation has teamed up with the American Legion of Florida to create the COVID-19 Project Vet Relief Fund. This fund will help with emergency assistance for those veterans who are affected by this pandemic around the state of Florida. Veterans in need of assistance will find the application form, requirements and guidelines listed on the website at www.HelpFLVets.org. Due to limited personnel access, they are not taking phone calls and will accept online/email applications only.

The Fire Watch. The Fire Watch is Northeast Florida’s fight to end veteran suicide and to reinforce Northeast Florida as the most military and veteran friendly region in the United States.

Social isolation driven by COVID-19 is a major source of stress for at-risk Veterans, many of whom are already suffering from disconnectedness. Because of this, The Fire Watch has chosen to accelerate work it was doing in partnership with K9s For Warriors, United Way, the City of Jacksonville, Wounded Warrior Project and others, and to post 'Version 1' of the Northeast Florida Military & Veterans Resource Guide on its website: www.thefirewatch.org.

This is a critical time. We ask that everyone who cares about our veteran and military community be proactive during this crisis by reaching out to a Veteran that you believe may be at risk.

If you encounter a Veteran is in crisis, please call:

911; or,

800.273.8255 (Veterans Crisis Line, press 1)

If a Veteran just needs help or support during these challenging times, please call:

211 (United Way);

904.255.5521 (City of Jacksonville Veteran Services); or,

Visit the new Military & Veterans Resource Guide at https://www.thefirewatch.org/resources.

Youth/Children

Kids Hope Alliance COVID-19 Resources: Provides a list of resources that are available to help ease some of the stress families are experiencing due to the COVID-19 Disaster.

Florida Department of Education: Free Resources for Families & Teachers.

Virtual Early Learning Highway for Young Children: A free, online resource available to assist families in helping their young children continue to learn while being at home due to COVID-19. Access the Virtual Early Learning Highway for Young Children here. Users can click on the “road markers” to access videos, routines and activities. Every week, families will have a unique daily plan that includes seven different road-marker activities to watch and complete with their children.

Internet Access Resources

AT&T COVID-19 Response

Internet Access for Limited Income Households: AT&T has expanded eligibility for their low-income internet program to households participating in National School Lunch Program/Head Start. They are Offering two months of free service to new customers who order Access by April 30, 2020. $5/mo or $10/mo thereafter, depending on your speed. Click here to learn more about Access from AT&T.

Keep Americans Connected Pledge: AT&T has pledged for the next 60 days, they will waive late fees and won’t terminate service of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer affected financially by the coronavirus pandemic.

Learn more about AT&T’s COVID-19 response.

COX COVID-19 Response

New customers can receive a free month of internet service in the company's Connect2Compete plan, available to qualified low-income households for $9.95 a month. The company is also fast-tracking the application process to get families connected more quickly.

Keep Americans Connected Pledge: COX has pledged that for 60 days through May 15, they will waive late fees and won’t terminate service for residential and small business customers affected financially by COVID-19.

Learn more about COX's COVID-19 response.

Mediacom COVID-19 Response

Free internet service will be provided for 60 days to new low-income households that enroll in Mediacom’s Connect2Compete program before 5/15/20. Internet speeds offered through this program will also increase from 10 Mbps to 25 Mbps, which applies to current Mediacom Connect2Compete customers.

Keep Americans Connected Pledge: Mediacom will not disconnect service or assess late fees to any customer who calls and informs the company that they cannot pay their bill during this period.

Learn more about Mediacom's COVID-19 response.

Spectrum COVID-19 Response

Beginning Monday, March 16, Spectrum will offer free access to internet and WiFi for 60-days for new Pre-K to 12, college student and teacher households who don't currently have internet or WiFi service. This discount will be applied as a credit for your first two months of internet services. They waive any installation or pre-payment fees to help get you started.

Spectrum will not charge late fees or terminate service for households and small business customers affected by COVID-19 financially.

Learn more about Spectrum's COVID-19 response.

Xfinity’s Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Xfinity is offering two months of free internet service to new low-income households that qualify for its Internet Essentials program. New low-income applicants must apply by 4/30/20.

Xfinity will refrain from charging late fees or disconnecting service for customers that call and let them know they cannot pay their bills during this time.

Learn more about Xfinity's COVID-19 response.

City Updates
The City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division (JAXREADY) has launched JAXREADY.com/Virus, a go-to resource for Duval County residents to get the latest information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and any impacts to the Jacksonville area.
VISIT JAXREADY.COM/VIRUS FOR ONGOING UPDATES.

The City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division will continue to monitor this evolving situation and provide timely updates.

Executive Orders:

Emergency Executive Proclamation 2020-001: State of Emergency Declaration

Emergency Executive Order 2020-1: Emergency Capacity Reduction and Alcohol Sales Limitation

Emergency Executive Order 2020-2: Emergency Beach Closure

Emergency Executive Order 2020-3: Emergency Work-at-Home / Remote Work Requirements

Emergency Executive Order 2020-4: Hotel, Motel and Public Lodging Reservation Restrictions

Emergency Executive Order 2020-5: Emergency Non-Essential Business Closures

ASL interpretation of Emergency Executive Order 2020-5

Additional State of Florida executive actions that impact business closures and modifications that may establish, or otherwise limit restrictions, may be found on the website of Governor Ron DeSantis.

Press Conferences:

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Update - March 12, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Update - March 13, 2020

Duval County Public Schools Extend Spring Break

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Update - March 14, 2020

Mayor Curry Limits Capacity To 50 In All Businesses

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Update - March 17, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Update - March 19, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Update - March 20, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Virtual Update - March 23, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Virtual Update - March 24, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Virtual Update - March 25, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Virtual Update - March 26, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Virtual Update - March 27, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Virtual Update - March 30, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Briefing with City Council - March 31, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Virtual Update - April 1, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Virtual Update - April 2, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Virtual Update - April 6, 2020

Mayor Curry Coronavirus Virtual Update - April 7, 2020

FAQs

For answers to frequently asked questions, please visit coj.net/covid19faq.

Helpful Links

The Florida Department of Health has created a dedicated COVID-19 webpage at www.FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19. This remains the best and most up-to-date resource for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.

For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department's dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling (866) 779-6121 or emailing COVID-19@flhealth.gov. The Call Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information about the coronavirus visit:

Florida Department of Health website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website

CDC Coronavirus Travelers Health Information website

World Health Organization (WHO) website

U.S. Department of State website

Avoiding Coronavirus Scams website

Duval County Public Schools- Parent Updates website

Drive Through COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 General Information

Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the common signs of the virus mimic the flu. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath

Individuals who develop symptoms should contact a healthcare professional and follow their advice. Prior to your arrival, contact the facility you intend to visit and tell them you think you may have COVID-19 so they can take precautions to prevent exposing other individuals.
What you Should Know
COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus 2019. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. CDC recommends the following everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Populations at High Risk

Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because:

As people age, their immune systems change, making it harder for their body to fight off diseases and infection.

Many older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness.

If a COVID-19 outbreak happens, it could last for a long time. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce exposures to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.

If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure.

CDC Recommendations for those at high risk:

Stay at home as much as possible.

Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time.

When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.

Avoid crowds.

Do not travel by cruise ship. CDC notes increased risk of infection of COVID-19 in a cruise ship environment.

Stay up to date on CDC Travel Health Notices.

This press release was produced by the City of Jacksonville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.