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Health Information

Vaccine Information St. Johns County Vaccination Information

Florida Department of Health - St. Johns County

  •  904-506-6081
  •  

    Mailing Address

    200 San Sebastian View 

     

    Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 

Wear a mask. Stay six feet apart. Avoid Crowds. Get a vaccine.



COVID-19 Vaccine Facts
(Video Length 1:20)

[Spanish version] Hechos Sobre La Vacuna COVID-19

  • Moving Forward to End the Pandemic
  • Fast Facts: COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Protect Yourself & Others
  • Masks
  • Business & Community Resources
  • Deaf & ASL
  • Florida Health Data
  • Healthy Together App
  • Increased-Risk Populations
  • Long-Term Care Facilities
  • Mental Health
  • Schools & Childcare
Local Vaccine Information

Learn about COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments in St. Johns County. Call 904-295-3711 to request assistance. COVID-19 Vaccines in St. Johns County

Updated April 6, 2021

While the pandemic has kept many of us apart, there is new hope to bring us back together—COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccines will help us move closer to ending the pandemic, but we still need to use all the tools we have available to slow the spread of COVID-19:

Vaccination adds an important layer of protection for you, your family, and your loved ones. Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough, and no one tool alone is going to stop the pandemic. The combination of getting vaccinated and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection against COVID-19.

While experts learn more about how COVID-19 vaccination may help reduce spread of the disease in communities, it is important for everyone to continue to follow CDC’s recommendations. CDC will continue to update these recommendations using the latest science to protect communities.

We ask you to join us in protecting yourself, your family and friends, and our community by getting vaccinated when it’s available to you.

Stopping this pandemic will take everyone doing their part, including getting vaccinated and continuing to wear masks and practice social distancing. For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, visit CDC’s FAQs web page.

Local Vaccine Information

Learn about COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments in St. Johns County. Call 904-295-3711 to request assistance. COVID-19 Vaccines in St. Johns County

The U.S. vaccine safety system makes sure that all vaccines are as safe as possible: COVID-19 vaccines have gone through the same safety standards as other vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Facts

(Video Length 1:20)
[Spanish] Hechos Sobre La Vacuna COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccine teaches your body how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccine:

  • Doesn’t give you COVID-19.
  • Can keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.

After vaccination, you might have some side effects—they will go away in a few days. Side effects are normal signs your body is building protection. Side effects include:

  • Pain and swelling on the arm with the shot.
  • Fever, chills, tiredness and headache.

If you’re worried about certain side effects, call:

  • Your health care provider.
  • The COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121, and press 3 to talk to a medical professional (the call center is open 24/7).

You’re fully vaccinated when your body has built up protection against the virus. That’s two weeks after:

  • The second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.
  • The single-dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

Until you’re fully vaccinated, keep using the COVID-19 protection layers: wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart from others, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and wash your hands a lot.

We’re still learning how effective the vaccines are, and how long they can protect people. For now, after you’ve been fully vaccinated, keep using the COVID-19 protection layers when you’re:

  • In public.
  • Gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one other household.
  • Visiting an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 or who lives with a person at increased risk.

COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge to people living in the U.S. You can’t be:

  • Denied or charged for COVID-19 vaccine if you don’t have health insurance.
  • Charged a copay or coinsurance fee.
  • Charged for an office visit if you’re only receiving COVID-19 vaccination.

If you have private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, your vaccine provider can seek reimbursement for an administrative fee.

04/05/21: Press Briefing by White House
COVID-19 Response Team and Public Health Officials
with American Sign Language

Video Length: 27:18

Florida Health Office of Communications 3-18-2021

Fast Facts: COVID-19 Vaccines PDF Version

Learn More

 What is a variant?

Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time.

Bobby and his dad are protected when they stay home. They keep protecting themselves when they are houtside of their house. Be like Bobby and his dad: Stay six feet apart, wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid crowds. Click here to learn more at CDC.gov

Important Ways to Slow the Spread 1

Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Answer the Call from
the Health Department

The Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County is working hard to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you have been around someone with COVID-19, someone from the health department may call you. Self-quarantine at home and follow our instructions. Making a choice to help us in the fight against COVID-19 helps protect you, your family, and your community. Help us slow transmission and answer the call to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Why? Case investigation and contact tracing, a core disease control measure employed by state health department personnel for decades, is a key strategy for preventing further spread of COVID-19. Immediate action is needed. Communities must scale up and train a large workforce and work collaboratively across public and private agencies to stop the transmission of COVID-19.

Practice Social Distancing

If you are around other people, keep 6 feet between you when possible. Avoid hugs, handshakes, large gatherings and close quarters.

Why? The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth, which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the coronavirus if the person coughing has the disease.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help stop the spread of germs—if soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

When Should I Wash My Hands?

Make a habit of regular hand washing. It’s most important to wash your hands:

  • before eating and cooking
  • after using the bathroom
  • after cleaning around the house
  • after touching pets and other animals
  • before and after visiting or taking care of sick people
  • after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • after being outside
  • after handling mail or packages

Why? Handwashing removes germs from your hands. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Wear a Mask

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others and out in public, such as the grocery store.

Don’t place a cloth face cover on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or any who is unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Why? You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Masks Protect You & Me.

Avoid Touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. 

 

Cover coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.

Why? Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

If surfaces are dirty, first clean with detergent or soap and water, and then disinfect. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants, diluted household bleach solutions, and alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol will work. See how to make a bleach solution if disinfectants are not available.

 

The CDC recommends you get a COVID-19 Vaccine as soon as you are eligible.

 

Download PDF Infosheets:

Back to work safety - Protect Yourself    Facility Cleaning and Disinfection

Additional Resources:

Content Source

1. CDC How to protect yourself & Others Mar. 8, 2021

Mask Requirements

Wear Masks on Public Transportation CDC — Mask Requirements

Wear a Face Mask

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others and out in public, such as the grocery store.

Don’t place a cloth face cover on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or any who is unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Why? You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.

Improve How Your Mask Protects You

Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has. Learn More.

Mask Up America

Continue to “Mask Up” to Help Stop the Spread of the Coronavirus. 

Link to YouTube Video | Mask Up America | Video Length 0:30
(Video Length: 0:30)

Resources:

Use of Masks to Help
Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Infographic; Kansas implemeted a mask mandate on July 3, 2020; some counties opted out *. Counties with a mask mandate saw new caases per 100,000 people decrease 6%. Counties without a mask mandate saw new cases per 100,000 people increase 100%. CDC Reccomends everyone age 2 years and older wear masks in public. Visit CDC.GOV to learn more.

PDF (23.4MB)

Read the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness

Learn More at WhiteHouse.gov

Pledge St. Johns County Program Encourages Business Commitment to CDC Health Guidelines

Printable Business & Employee Guidance Materials

    Download Business Toolkit   

Guidance for Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, & Schools

Information for Where You Live, Work, Learn, and Play:

Microsoft's 5 Tips

Get 5 tips for using Microsoft Teams when you're deaf or hard of hearing See Related: Zoom Accessibility

 

View the Entire CDC — ASL Video Series Playlist:

 

Last updated: April 12, 2021

CDC - ASL Video Series Playlist:

  1. Plays YouTube VideoPregnancy and COVID-19
         (CDC)


  2. Plays YouTube VideoSchool Planning In-Person Learning
         (CDC)


  3. Plays YouTube VideoPlanning Outings and Visits
         (CDC)


  4. Plays YouTube VideoExtra Precautions for People with Disabilities
         (CDC)


  5. Plays YouTube VideoExtra Precautions for People at Risk of Severe Illness
         (CDC)


  6. Plays YouTube VideoWashing your Hands
         (CDC)


  7. School Planning Remote LearningPlays YouTube Video
         (CDC)


  8. Plays YouTube VideoSymptoms of Coronavirus
         (CDC)


  9. Plays YouTube VideoNewborn Care and Breastfeeding
         (CDC)


  10. Plays YouTube VideoSchool Information for Parents
         (CDC)


  11. Plays YouTube VideoClose Contact with COVID-19
         (CDC)


  12.  Plays YouTube VideoCOVID 19 Vaccine What To Expect

         (CDC)

  13. Plays YouTube VideoHelp Children Wear Masks    
         (CDC)


  14. Plays YouTube VideoHow COVID-19 Spreads
         (CDC)


  15. Plays YouTube VideoRunning Essential Errands
         (CDC)


  16. Plays YouTube VideoWhat To Do If You Are Sick
         (CDC)


  17. Plays YouTube VideoExtra Precautions for Older Adults
         (CDC)


  18. Plays YouTube VideoHow Masks Protect You and Others
         (CDC)


  19. Plays YouTube VideoProtect Yourself and Others
         (CDC)


  20. Plays YouTube VideoCaring for someone Sick at Home
         (CDC)


  21. Plays YouTube VideoThree Steps to Protect Yourself
         (CDC)


  22. Plays YouTube Video I Wear a mask because (1:43)
         (CDC)



  23. Plays YouTube VideoAnswers to Questions from Children about COVID-19
         (CDC)


  24. Plays YouTube VideoTips to Keep Children Healthy While School is Out
         (CDC)


  25. Plays YouTube VideoUse the Coronavirus Self Checker to Help Decide When to Call a Doctor
         (CDC)


  26. Plays YouTube VideoWhen to get Medical Care for COVID-19
         (CDC)


  27. Plays YouTube VideoSocial Distancing
         (CDC)


  28. Plays YouTube VideoParents Supporting Children
         (CDC)


  29. Plays YouTube VideoManaging Stress and Anxiety
         (CDC)


     
  30. Plays YouTube Video10 Things You Can do to Manage COVID-19 at Home
         (CDC)


  31. Plays YouTube VideoCOV ID-19 Prevention Tips
         (CDC)


  32. Plays YouTube VideoWhat Older Adults Need to Know About COVID-19
         (CDC)


  33. Plays FEMA VideoCommunicating with Medical Personnel During Coronavirus

         (FEMA)

COVID-19 Dashboard

Florida's COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard

 

Find County-Specific Data and 
Details by ZipCode

Opens Dashboard in a new window

St. Johns County School District COVID-19 Dashboard

 

Review case, monitoring and
PUI information on the latest
COVID-19 Report

  See State Linelist 

State Report

County Report

 

Review total antibody results for Florida

Serology Report

 

Vaccine Data


Florida COVID-19
Vaccine Report


CDC Data COVID Tracker

 

Additional Resources: 

Healthy Together Mobile App

FLORIDA  COVID-19 RESPONSE

Healthy Together

Healthy Together App (PDF, 2MB)
Protect yourself and your family

Floridians are working to slow the spread of COVID-19.

We can work together to protect our family members, friends, health workers, and our communities. The Healthy Together app delivers your results, assesses symptoms for positive cases, provides self service contact tracing, allows you to view latest trends, and learn what to do after you've been tested for COVID-19.

Healthy Together App Features

  • Access your results  Use the app to securely view your COVID-19 test results.
  • Provide symptoms and contacts  Positive residents can provide symptoms to the state.
  • Learn what to do after you get tested  Get your test results and instructions for care.
  • Latest Trends  Direct link to the Florida COVID-19 dashboard.

Get the Healthy Together App

Users own their data and can delete the data at any time.


The use of your data is limited to COVID-19 response efforts. No location data will be ever collected and stored.

People at Increased Risk for Severe Illness

Some people are more likely than others to become severely ill

  • Older Adults
    At greater risk of requiring hospitalization or dying if diagnosed with COVID-19
     
  • Pregnant People
    Although the overall risk of severe illness is low, pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared to non-pregnant people.
     
  • Adults of any age with the following Medical Conditions are at an increased risk

    Presented in alphabetical order and not in order of risk.

    • Cancer
      Having cancer can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Treatments for many types of cancer can weaken your body’s ability to fight off disease.  At this time, based on available studies, having a history of cancer may increase your risk.

    • Chronic kidney disease
      Having chronic kidney disease of any stage can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.
    • Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
      Chronic lung diseases can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. These diseases may include:
      • Asthma, if it’s moderate to severe
      • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
      • Having damaged or scarred lung tissue such as interstitial lung disease (including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis)
      • Cystic fibrosis, with or without lung or other solid organ transplant
      • Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)

    • Dementia or other neurological conditions
      Having neurological conditions, such as dementia, can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.
    • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
      Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

    • Down Syndrome
      Having Down syndrome can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

    • Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension)
      Having heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and possibly high blood pressure (hypertension) can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.
       
    • HIV infection
      Having HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

    • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
      Having a weakened immune system can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Many conditions and treatments can cause a person to be immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system. Primary immunodeficiency is caused by genetic defects that can be inherited. Prolonged use of corticosteroids or other immune weakening medicines can lead to secondary or acquired immunodeficiency.
       
    • Liver Disease
      Having chronic liver disease, such as alcohol-related liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and especially cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.
    • Overweight and Obesity
      Overweight (defined as a body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 but < 30 kg/m2), obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2 but < 40 kg/m2), or severe obesity (BMI of ≥40 kg/m2), can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.  The risk of severe COVID-19 illness increases sharply with elevated BMI.
       
    • Pregnancy
      Pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. 
    • Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia
      Having hemoglobin blood disorders like sickle cell disease (SCD) or thalassemia can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.
    • Smoking, current or former
      Being a current or former cigarette smoker can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. If you currently smoke, quit. If you used to smoke, don’t start again. If you’ve never smoked, don’t start.
    • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
      Having had a solid organ or blood stem cell transplant, which includes bone marrow transplants, can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

    • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
      Having cerebrovascular disease, such as having a stroke, can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

    • Substance use disorders
      Having a substance use disorder (such as alcohol, opioid, or cocaine use disorder) can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

Information on Children and Teens

While children have been less affected by COVID-19 compared with adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and some children develop severe illness. Children with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness compared to children without underlying medical conditions. Current evidence on which underlying medical conditions in children are associated with increased risk is limited. Current evidence suggests that children with medical complexity, with genetic, neurologic, metabolic conditions, or with congenital heart disease can be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Similar to adults, children with obesity, diabetes, asthma or chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease, or immunosuppression can also be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. One way to protect the health of children is to ensure that all adults in a household are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Actions You Can Take

In general, the older you are, the more health conditions you have, and the more severe the conditions, the more important it is to take preventive measures for COVID-19 such as vaccination, wearing a mask , social distancing, and practicing hand hygiene.

It is important for people with medical conditions and their providers to work together and manage those conditions carefully and safely. Get a COVID-19 vaccine when you are eligible. If you have a medical condition, the following are actions you can take based on your medical conditions and other risk factors:

  • Continue your medicines and do not change your treatment plan without talking to your healthcare provider.
  • Follow your current treatment plan (e.g., Asthma Action Plan, dialysis schedule, blood sugar testing, nutrition and exercise recommendations) to keep your medical condition under control.
  • Have at least a 30-day supply of prescription and non-prescription medicines. Talk to a healthcare provider, insurer, and pharmacist about getting an extra supply (i.e., more than 30 days) of prescription medicines, if possible, to reduce your trips to the pharmacy.
  • Have shelf-stable food choices available to accommodate dietary needs based on your medical condition (e.g., kidney diet and KCER 3-Day Emergency Diet Plan, diabetic diet).
  • Know the triggers for your condition and avoid when possible (e.g., avoid asthma triggersby having another member of your household clean and disinfect your house for you or avoid possible sickle cell disease triggersto prevent vaso-occlusive episodes or pain crises).
  • Learn about stress and coping. You may feel increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.
  • Do not delay getting emergency care for your medical condition because of COVID-19. Emergency departments have infection prevention plans to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care.
  • Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your medical conditions or if you get sick and think that you may have COVID-19. If you need emergency help, call 911 right away.
  • When possible, keep preventive care and other routine healthcare appointments (such as vaccinations and blood pressure checks) with your provider. Check with your provider about safety precautions for office visits and ask about telemedicine or remote healthcare visit options.

Other People Who Need Extra Precautions

Get more information for other populations like rural communities, people experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities.

Want to see the evidence behind these lists?

Last Updated April 2, 2021

Long-Term Care Facilities

COVID-19 Symptom Screening for
Health Care Professionals & Employees

  Download (PDF, 658KB) 

 

Review long-term care
facilities with positive
COVID-19 cases. *
Review long-term care
facility deaths associated
with COVID-19. This report is updated on a weekly basis.

   See the Report   

 

    See the Report    


Please view these additional resources:

Need Help? Know Someone Who Does?

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat now.

Call the Florida Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771. Or report abuse online.

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224 or chat now.

Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 1-800-985-5990.

The outbreak of COVID-19 is stressful for most people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

During Late June, 2020, 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health or substance use

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during an ongoing crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone reacts differently and your own feelings will change over time. Notice and accept how you feel. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family. Self-care will help your long-term healing.

Signs of stress may include:

  • Excessive worry or sadness
  • Unhealthy sleeping or eating habits
  • Difficulty with attention and concentration
If you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, call
  • 911
  • Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (TTY 1-800-846-8517)

Things you can do to support yourself

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcoholand drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Many people are using video chats to feel connected to their friends and loved ones and report that it is helpful to relieve anxiety and stress.

Learn more about taking care of your emotional health.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row. 

Young Adulthood
COVID-19 Parental Resources Kit

Young adults’ social, emotional, or mental well-being may be impacted by the pandemic. Learn what you can do to help ensure their well-being.

Things you can do to support your child

  • Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
  • Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset, confused or even angry about the disruption to their normal life. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
  • Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
  • Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Learn more about helping children cope.

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee released a story book: My Hero is You to help children understand how to stay safe and address fears about COVID-19.

See more information about coping with COVID-19. 

Childhood
COVID-19 Parental Resources Kit

Children’s social, emotional, or mental well-being maybe impacted by the pandemic. Learn what you can do to help ensure their well-being.

Supportive Resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Florida Blue

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

National Association of School Psychologists

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA)

Additional Stress and Coping Resources:

CDC Updates as of March 19, 2021:

Alignment with Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Prevention includes:

  • Revised physical distancing recommendations to reflect at least 3 feet between students in classrooms and provide clearer guidance when a greater distance (such as 6 feet) is recommended.
  • Removed recommendation for physical barriers.
  • Clarified that ventilation is a component of strategies to clean and maintain healthy facilities.
  • Plain language changes: mitigation to prevention and social distancing to physical distancing.

Florida Schools, Colleges and Universities

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is working closely with the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor COVID-19 and is actively working to ensure that the most up-to-date CDC guidance is quickly and accurately disseminated.

 

Florida Child Care Programs

Florida Department of Children and Families

Florida Department of Health

  • Florida’s Child Care Food Program (CCFP) intends to use all available program flexibilities and contingencies offered by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to serve program participants.
  • During an unexpected school closure, schools can leverage their participation in one of USDA’s summer meal programs to provide meals at no cost to students. Under normal circumstances, those meals must be served in a group setting.
  • However, in a public health emergency, the law allows USDA the authority to waive the group setting meal requirement, which is vital during a social distancing situation. CCFP is working with USDA to issue waivers to ease program operations and protect the health of participants.
  • Find participating CCFP providers in your area.

 

Things Schools and Child Care Programs Should Do Now

At All Times
  • Post the signs and symptoms of COVID-19: fever, cough, shortness of breath.
  • Encourage people to stay home when sick.
  • Clean surfaces that are frequently touched – things such as shared desks, countertops, kitchen areas, electronics, and doorknobs.
  • Limit events and meetings that require close contact.
  • Stay up to date on developments in your community.
  • Create an emergency plan for possible outbreak.
  • Assess if community members are at higher risk and plan accordingly.
During an Outbreak in your Area
  • Send home or separate anyone who becomes sick.
  • If you identify a case, inform people who might have been exposed.
  • Continue to safely clean and disinfect the person’s area.
  • Connect with your local health departments.
  • Cancel large meetings or events.
  • Put your infectious disease outbreak plan into action.

 

Specific Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs
  • Physical distancing (separation of all employees and students by at least 6 feet) and
    assign seats within classrooms.
  • Repurpose unused or underutilized school spaces to increase classroom space and
    facilitate social distancing.
  • Make hand cleaning supplies readily available.
  • Encourage students and staff to stay home if sick.
  • Monitor absenteeism.
  • Plan for digital and distance learning.
  • Be prepared to temporarily dismiss or close schools and cancel events.
    • Short-term dismissals for cleaning and contact tracing if you have a case.
    • Longer dismissals if you have substantial spread in your area.
  • Plan ways to continue student services such as school meal programs if schools close.
  • Stagger staffing or schedules to reduce in-person interaction.
  • Work with your local health department for guidance on closures and reopenings.

Resources

See more information about schools and child care programs – CDC

See more information about responding to COVID-19 in schools (K–12) – FDOH

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding K–12 Schools and COVID-19 – FDOH

Additional Resources:

We can work together to protect our family members, friends, health workers, and our communities. 

The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.