- October 29, 2024
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As the state continues to see a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, Flagler County has seen 18 new cases since June 1, said Jonathan Lord, the county's emergency operations manager, at a County Commission meeting Monday, June 15. That bring's Flagler's total to 207 cases (202 being residents) and 24 hospitalizations since the pandemic began. However, no patients in long-term care facilities have tested positive for the virus.
As a result, the county's hospitals have been able to cope with the number of patients they've received.
"We're crossing our fingers that it stays that way," Lord said. "We're one of the few communities in the state that can still say that."
Across the state of Florida, more than 1.4 million COVID-19 tests have been administered, with about 94% coming back negative.
The county is still operating its testing site at Daytona State College's Palm Coast campus, located at 3000 Palm Coast Parkway SE. The site is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and is available to Flagler County residents free of charge. The testing site saw a dip in usage by the community the previous week. The site will continue to remain in effect until the county sees consistent testing numbers below 50. To schedule an appointment, call the Emergency Operation Center's main line at 386-313-4200. Schedule an appointment if you're experiencing symptoms or if you believe you've come into contact with someone who has COVID-19.
"We want the health department to be able to handle it," Lord said. "For that, we need a lower threshold."
Governor-based restrictions, like the cap on the number of people in public rooms, remain in place.
“Even though Flagler County remains in really good shape compared to other communities, we must keep reiterating the importance of facemask usage and social distancing," Lord said.
The county has incurred about $1.5 million in expenses related to COVID-19, Lord presented to the Board of County Commissioners. However, he believes much of it will be reimburse by FEMA under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
“We’re just trying to work through our new normal and deal with it how we know best," Lord said.
John Brower, financial services director, said the county is getting about $5 million up front in relief, which is 25% of what the county is expected to get. The rest will be on a reimbursement basis from the state.
"The good news is we have the money," Brower said. "And we're going to figure out the best way to use it."
However, the county will be responsible for any "misappropriation of funds."
"We need to work this carefully and make sure the money is used correctly," Chairman David Sullivan added.
