- April 24, 2024
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by: Jonathan Lord
Emergency Management director
In light of the recent shift of the primary COVID-19 testing to the Florida Department of Health-Flagler at Cattleman’s Hall, I would like to share and acknowledge the amazing work done by staff and volunteers at the now closed Daytona State College-Palm Coast COVID-19 Testing Site.
I would like to first share some background information that many residents may not realize. In Florida, the public health system is the purview of state government, through the Florida Department of Health, which provides its services locally through its “county health department” offices. This structure is different from some other states, where local governments (cities or counties) directly provide these services.
In March, as COVID-19 quickly spread throughout Florida, it was quickly recognized that unlike in other communities, the federal government, state government, and private sector would not be establishing COVID-19 testing within our community.
Therefore a local plan was developed to establish a COVID-19 testing site at Daytona State College’s Palm Coast campus, using local resources. This site operated from April 7 to July 30. We were able to close this site because the Florida Department of Health-Flagler is now able to fully conduct our community-based testing, with logistical support from the county; we appreciate and support them as they lead this effort through the next several months.
The Daytona State College-Palm Coast testing site was a unique solution only feasible due to a collaborative team of amazing partners/heroes from both the public and private sectors, that our entire community should be proud of.
The heroes that came together to operate this site and fill a critical public health void include both employees and volunteers from the following (I apologize in advance, as I am sure that I have missed some key groups):
As we continue adjusting to our new normal until a vaccine is readily available, I ask our community to join me in acknowledging and thanking these amazing heroes!
PS: Social distancing and wearing face coverings is the best way to allow our community to limit the spread of COVID-19 and continue our economic recovery!
Jonathan Lord is the Emergency Management director for Flagler County.
