ORLANDO, Fla. — Only one case of COVID-19 has been declared in the Central Florida area, but local officials are monitoring the situation and making preparations to mitigate the spread of the illness.

Volusia County Adds New Protocol for 911 Dispatch 

Following confirmation of a positive case of COVID-19 in Volusia County over the weekend, the county announced new plans for its 911 dispatchers.

"We've added additional questions to the 911 calling system," said Kevin Captain, the county's interim community information director, "So if someone calls and has questions about not feeling well, there's additional questions the dispatcher will ask those patients calling in."

That will include a question about international travel. If a call traveled to areas with COVID-19 outbreaks, responding units will be notified over the radio. 

Port Canaveral, Area Businesses Take Extra Steps

On Monday Port Canaveral announced additional measures to stem the spread of COVID-19. The port is increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting with a hospital-grade disinfectant in cruise terminals, port buildings common areas and public areas. The port also says it was working with cruise partners on "contingency plans with operational alternatives" if necessary.

Among the groups the port is working with is the Cruise Lines International Association, which over the weekend announced the adoption of extra screening measures.

Measures include:

  • Denying boarding to passengers who traveled from or visited to places like China, South Korea, and parts of Italy subject to quarantine 
  • Conducting illness screenings with symptom checks
  • Temperature screenings
  • Denying boarding to anyone who may have been in contact with someone with the virus

Meanwhile:

  • Port Canaveral businesses remain open and are taking extra steps
  • CDC: Older adults and travelers with underlying health risks should reconsider a cruise
  • Some cruise lines advising to bring extra 14 days of medication in case of a travel delay

Seminole County Schools Teaching Proper Hand Washing

Seminole County Public Schools is training volunteers to teach students proper hand washing, which health officials say is one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of the illness.

  1. SCPS has been teaching Healthy Hands to students for 6 years, but is planning to circulate the program more frequently following Coronavirus concerns.
  2. The program has students spread an ultraviolet lotion on their hands, and then wash their hands to see how much they were successfully at washing off.
  3. An ultraviolet light kit, named “glitter bug” is then used to detect if any ultraviolet lotion, or “germs,” are left after the hand washing.
  4. Experts say proper hand washing should include focusing on nails, fingertips and the front and the back of the hand.
  5. SCPS is looking for more volunteers to train on Health Hands and teach it to students in schools.​ If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, head to the Seminole County Public Schools website.