2 Test Positive For Coronavirus In Pasco County; 136 Statewide

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Two Pasco County residents have now tested positive for coronavirus, according to the Florida Department of Health. As of March 17, 145 Floridians have positive results and five have died.

The DOH announced Saturday that a 67-year-old Pasco County man has been isolated following a positive test result.

Earlier this week, 46-year-old Gene DellaSala of Wesley Chapel received a positive result. He is the founder of the online magazine Audioholics, and said he was exposed when a potential client dropped by his home last month.

He was tested at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel after coming down with stomach cramps and diarrhea. He's been self-isolated since his test came back positive.

The Pasco Board of County Commissioners has issued a local state of emergency for Pasco County as a proactive measure to monitor and limit the potential spread of coronavirus.

The declaration allows the county administrator and emergency management director to waive everyday procedures and do what they feel is necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community. This includes performing public work, making emergency purchases, renting equipment, hiring workers and enlisting volunteers.

The local state of emergency will be in effect for seven days or until rescinded by the county administrator when it’s no longer needed.

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The Pasco County Emergency Operations Center is operating at Level Two Activation status. Pasco County Emergency Management is monitoring conditions and responding, as necessary, to any issues that might arise.

Pasco County urges residents to rely on official sources for information, and reminds them that practicing personal hygiene is their best defense:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm, not your hands
• If you’re sick, stay home and avoid crowds

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County is the lead agency in Pasco for all virus-related inquiries. For the latest updates, visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention website.