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Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 7/28/21

COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the level of community transmission in Orange County, FL is high.

As of today, July 28, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is more than 15.58 percent. Additional County statistic include:

• Orange County residents 12+ with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine: 62.34 percent
• Single-day positivity rate for July 27: 19.18 percent
• New COVID-19 cases in Orange County: 1,371—an all-time high
• Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 160,503
• Total deaths in Orange County: 1,390

A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY AND MASK RECOMMENDATION
Today, July 28, 2021, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings announced and signed Executive Order 2021-24, declaring a State of Local Emergency for Orange County.

The executive order strongly considers the data from Orange County health care providers that have experienced an increase in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths related to COVID-19 resulting in more inpatients and more ventilator use for some providers than at any other time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the full Executive Order: ocfl.net/ExecutiveOrders

In accordance with the CDC’s recent announcement, Mayor Demings continues to strongly recommend that all residents – vaccinated and unvaccinated – consider wearing a mask indoors while in a crowded environment. Additionally, businesses are encouraged to display signs recommending patrons wear a mask when indoors.

By instituting these measures, Orange County wants all residents and visitors to know that the County is taking the coronavirus resurgence seriously and is doing its best to institute safety measures to try to mitigate the number of new, COVID-19 cases.

ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES – VACCINE AND MASK REQUIREMENT
To provide a safe working environment for employees and residents, Mayor Demings announced that all Orange County Government employees will be required to wear a mask or face covering when in the presence of others inside any County facility, effective immediately.

In addition, all new and existing non-union Orange County Government employees will have until September 30, 2021 to become fully vaccinated. Employees who decide to receive a two-dose vaccine will need to receive their first shot by August 31, 2021.

The County will provide reasonable accommodations for employees who are unable to be vaccinated for documented legally covered reasons. For those employees who are in a union, the County will engage in impact bargaining with the respective collective bargaining units regarding these requirements.

ECONOMIC RECOVERY TASK FORCE TO CONVENE
In an effort to create a measured approach to keeping the local economy open for business during the pandemic, Mayor Demings announced that the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force will reconvening on Monday, August 2, 2021, from 1 to 2 p.m., for a virtual WebEx meeting.

With the local state of emergency in place, the County wants to ensure local businesses stay open and are ready to serve the public in the safest manner possible. Orange TV will carry the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting live at ocfl.net/OrangeTV.

BARNETT PARK VACCINATIONS AND TESTING
Orange County Government Health Services Department continues to make COVID-19 testing and vaccinations easily accessible for residents. Barnett Park’s free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination and drive-thru COVID-19 testing services are available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• COVID-19 VACCINES: Individuals may select either Pfizer or the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For more information, visit ocfl.net/VaccineSites.
• COVID-19 TESTING: Individuals may select only one type of test, Molecular PCR or Rapid Antigen, per day. For more information, visit ocfl.net/Testing, and click on #1 on the map.

As a reminder, Barnett Park’s services have been extended until August 31, 2021. It is important to know that the site may close earlier than 5 p.m. due to reaching its daily capacity or late-afternoon storms. Individuals interested in a COVID-19 test or vaccination are urged to arrive at Barnett Park early to ensure they can be accommodated before the site closes.

UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES
The #IGotMyShot mobile vaccination trailer continues to visit neighborhoods and businesses throughout Orange County. During the rest of this week, the trailer will be at the following locations:

• Thursday, July 29
  Intown Suites Extended Stay Orlando – Lee Rd
  736 Lee Road, Orlando FL, 32810
   1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.
• Friday, July 30
  La Bendicion Supermercado
  1717 W. Oak Ridge Rd, Orlando, FL 32839
   10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Friday, July 30
  Congregación Mita De Florida, Inc.
  200 W. Lancaster Road, Orlando, FL 32809
   4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, July 31
  Oak Ridge High School
  700 W. Oak Ridge Road, Orlando, FL, 32809
   10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, July 31
  Waterford Lakes
  413 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828
   2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

For future schedules or for more information about the #IGotMyShot campaign, visit ocfl.net/IGotMyShot.