Pinellas County Coronavirus Update: What You Need To Know

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — In line with the State Emergency Operations Center, the Pinellas County Emergency Operations Center upgraded to a Level 1 Virtual Activation this week.

Virtual, in this case, means that many county staff and partners are working remotely to maintain safe social distancing and reduce the risk of spreading the new coronavirus. County or partner staff reporting to the EOC continue to be screened for illness before entering the facility.

Latest Positive Cases

As of Friday, April 3, there have been 318 positive cases and seven deaths in Pinellas County.

Those who tested positive include 167 males and 151 females ranging in age from 6 to 95. Of those, 59 have been hospitalized.

Statewide, 10,268 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus and 170 people have died.

Refusal To Quarantine Could Mean Jail Time

Anyone believed to be infected with the coronavirus or who is believed to have been exposed to it – but refuses to quarantine – can be held without bond at the jails in Pinellas and Pasco counties, according to an administrative order signed by Anthony Rondolino, chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, March 27.

Pinellas County And Partner Actions

Topic-specific working groups are tackling different elements of preparation and response:

• The EMS Fire Work Group has enacted its COVID-10 Hospital-EMS Plan and designated three dedicated EMS COVID-19 units to minimize the spread of infection. Note that all ambulances are disinfected after suspected coronavirus transports.
• The Behavioral Health Work Group, in coordination with Directions for Living, has created a coronavirus-dedicated Emotional Support Call Line, running seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., to assist with the emotional needs of the community. Residents can call 727-525-4464 ext. 1001 seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.Additional information is available here.

Working Together

The Business Work Group is collaborating with local businesses to review and assess prototype gowns, face shields and masks, and establishing local sources for mission-essential personal protective equipment.

The Hospital Working Group is monitoring resource needs and connecting hospitals together to work efficiently and distribute supplies as needed.

The Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Working Group is establishing contingency plans within the facilities and identifying resources.

Advice And Information

• The city's public information staff continues its outreach to all residents, including Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking residents as well as the deaf/hard of hearing community through American Sign Language public service announcements.
• County staff continues to answer hundreds of inquiries through the Citizen Information Center, online chat and social media.
• The Pinellas Regional 911 call center has enacted stress reduction programs for the operators on the front lines.
• Visit the county's coronavirus website for the latest county information on the coronavirus.
• For questions, call the Citizen Information Center at 727-464-4333 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those with a hearing impairment can chat online.
• Report violations of the Safer at Home order for businesses by calling the Sheriff’s Tip Line at 727-582-TIPS. Businesses can also call that number with questions about how the order applies to them. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Tip Line received more than 365 tips as of March 30.
• Register for emergency alerts.