- April 24, 2024
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With only three positive tests out of the most recent 302 COVID-19 test results, health and city officials are optimistic about the success of the Palm Coast community in limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
Bob Snyder, administrator of the Flagler office of the Florida Department of Health, reported the following data at the May 27 Virtual Town Hall, conducted by Palm Coast City Manager Matt Morton:
Snyder also said that 100% of the contact tracing is complete, meaning that DOH workers have inquired about the health of all of the close contacts of people who tested positive for COVID-19.
Testing turnaround times also have improved, thanks to the switch to Quest Diagnostics, which is now processing the results, Snyder said. To schedule an appointment to be tested at Daytona State College, call 313-4200.
One of the DOH’s top priorities is to test residents and health care workers in long-term care facilities, and those results are encouraging. Results for Tuscan Gardens and Brookdale, as well as from 11 smaller assisted living facilities, were reported on May 26, and all 277 patients and direct-care staff tested negative.
“Please join me in applauding the nurses and staff for adhering to the best practices in infection control,” Snyder said.
DOH Medical Director Stephen Bickel was also optimistic about the data and said there are models from other countries to suggest that mask-wearing is instrumental in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Compared with other measures, such as shutting down businesses, mask-wearing is certainly preferred, he said.
“This is far and away the easiest one to do, and it’s really quite effective,” he said.
Snyder said a scarf or bandanna can be used if you don't have a mask. Wearing a mask outdoors is not necessary, Bickel said.
During the town hall meeting, Palm Coast Fire Chief Jerry Forte responded to a resident’s question about visiting form New Jersey. Forte reiterated that the governor’s executive order to self-isolate for 14 days remains in effect for anyone visiting Florida from any of four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana.
