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Department of Health in Walton County Provides COVID-19 Update, Announces First COVID-19 Death

By Patricia Roberts

May 04, 2020

May 04, 2020

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN WALTON COUNTY PROVIDES COVID-19 UPDATE, ANNOUNCES FIRST COVID-19 DEATH

Contact:
Patti Roberts
Patricia.Roberts@FLHealth.gov
850-401-6353

DeFuniak Springs, Fla.— A 94-year-old Walton County female who tested positive with COVID-19 has passed away.

We are expressing our condolences to her family and the Florida Department of Health in Walton County will continue to work with our community partners to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The list of long-term care facilities in Florida associated with COVID-19 cases now includes active cases in each facility in order to provide real-time data. It is important to note, case data contained within the other publicly available information is separate from the data contained in the daily report. The information in the daily report is derived directly from Merlin (State Surveillance System), whereas the information in the long-term care facility list is derived from the Agency for Health Care Administration’s Emergency Status System.

 

The information contained in the report reflects the current available information reported by each facility’s staff to the Department via the Agency for Health Care Administration’s Emergency Status System. The data is not cumulative but reflects the information available for current residents and staff with cases as of the reported date. Data in the Long-Term Care Facility List report is provisional and subject to change.

 

The addresses of the 50 positive Walton County residents include; 23 in DeFuniak Springs, 11 in Santa Rosa Beach, 3 in Freeport, 3 in Miramar Beach, 1 in Laurel Hill-Paxton, 9 out of state residents tested in Walton County.

 

Age, gender, race, and ethnicity data is available on the dashboard. Zip code level case numbers are also available. The dashboard is updated daily. For more detail on Florida resident cases, please visit the live DOH Dashboard. More information on a case-by-case basis can also be found in the Daily Report. Both are located at FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov. We encourage all Floridians to take the COVID-19 Community Action Survey by visiting www.StrongerThanC19.com

 

COVID-19 symptoms and treatment

 

The symptoms of COVID-19 can mirror illnesses such as influenza. Patients with COVID-19 typically display symptoms such as fever (100.4°F or higher), cough, and/or shortness of breath within 2 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Approximately 80% of those affected with COVID-19 report mild to moderate illness and experience a complete recovery. Some experience more severe illness. People who are more vulnerable to the illness include individuals who are over age 65 with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised, ill or have underlying chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.

 

Many cases of COVID-19 can be managed at home by treating symptoms, and this is encouraged. However, if you develop worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or inability to drink fluids, contact 911 and advise them of your symptoms as you may need treatment at a hospital.

 

COVID-19 overview, symptoms, and general prevention

 

COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus; coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals. Other coronaviruses include the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is believed to have emerged from an animal source and is now capable of spreading from person-to-person. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

 

For more Information on COVID-19

 

The Joint Information Center on COVID-19 for the State of Florida is also issuing regular updates daily. Updated information can also be found at https://walton.floridahealth.gov/, www.floridahealth.gov and www.cdc.gov or you can call the COVID-19 Call Center (866) 779- 6121 24/7 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov. The Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard that will be updated daily with specific County information more information on daily case by case can be found on daily report https://floridadisaster.org/covid19/. Expansion to private laboratories has changed the COVID-19 testing landscape in Florida. Private laboratories are running tests as they receive swab samples from practitioners. Testing and reporting times vary among commercial and DOH laboratories. Demographic information may be updated during epidemiological investigations. These daily reports reflect the state’s efforts to accurately and transparently share information.

 

DOH-Walton has also initiated the use of Nextdoor application for Public Agencies, to share information with Walton County residents. For more information and/or to sign up visit Nextdoor.com.

 

About the Florida Department of Health

 

The department, 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.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov .

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