Flagler Health Department doubles staff to respond to increasing COVID-19 caseload

Health officials praised the city of Palm Coast, as well as Bunnell and Flagler Beach, for voting for mask mandates.

By Brian McMillan
| 12:21 p.m. July 10, 2020

The Flagler County office of the Florida Department of Health is located at 301 Dr. Carter Blvd., Bunnell. Google Maps image

Palm Coast Observer
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The Department of Health in Flagler County’s staff will double soon, to respond to the increased cases of COVID-19.

Earlier this year, the DOH had 56 people on staff, according to Health Officer Robert Snyder. Last week, 14 staff arrived, including registered nurses, to assist with contact tracing among other tasks. He announced on July 10’s “Free For All Friday,” on WNZF, that another 40 were going to be hired.

Masks are 'not a controversy anymore'

AdventHealth Palm Coast COO Wally D’Aquino encouraged residents to wear masks. He and DOH Health Officer Robert Snyder and DOH Public Information Officer Gretchen Smith praised the city of Palm Coast, as well as Bunnell and Flagler Beach, for voting for mask mandates in the community.

Dr. Stephen Bickel, medical director for the Flagler DOH, agreed.

“There’s still an element out there that’s in COVID denial because it hasn’t hit them personally,” Bickel said. But, he said he thinks people will be convinced eventually. “ ... This is a battle. This is turning into a war.”

He said the mask mandates aren’t intended to be punitive but to increase the rate of compliance. A recent study confirmed that mask policies are one of the strongest actions a government can take to reduce the death rate of COVID-19.

“The evidence for masks has steadily mounted for the last three months,” Bickel said. “We agree: In March it was equivocal. It’s not anymore. It’s not a controversy anymore.”

If you don’t think masks are effective, he said, “Do some reading.”

“For people who are deniers, I know you wish that when you wake up tomorrow, this will be one bad dream, but it’s not,” added WNZF General Manager David Ayres. “We need to keep educating ourselves.”

D’Aquino reminded listeners that wearing a mask is something you do to help others from getting COVID-19.

“It’s good for our loved ones and our own economy,” D’Aquino said.

He said in a later interview that the DOH is able to able to serve the community and is not strained, but this staffing will make sure it stays that way.

“We just don’t want to miss a beat when it comes to community testing,” Snyder said.

Testing has expanded recently. Call 313-4200 to schedule a test.

The 40 additional staff members, which will hopefully include many local hires once a process is finalized, will allow the current staff to return to normal duties at the Department of Health and be less involved in responding to the pandemic.

Among those who will likely be hired are four or five nurses who have been volunteering for months. In general, the state's hiring requirements have been relaxed due to the extraordinary circumstances, Snyder said.

The staffing is funded federally by the CARES Act. Gov. Ron DeSantis added $138 million to the state budget to assist the Florida DOH. Flagler’s share was $481,000 through Dec. 31.

Hospital status update

AdventHealth Palm Coast Chief Operating Officer Wally D’Aquino said that although the spike in cases has put pressure on some intensive care units, the Palm Coast facility is “doing well.”

If there is a surge in cases, AdventHealth can put its tent back up in “in a matter of days,” D’Aquino added. Ventilator and personal protective equipment supplies are also plentiful.

He encouraged residents not to delay going to the hospital if they need medical attention. Extensive precautions are taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the hospital.

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Brian McMillan

Brian McMillan and his wife, Hailey, bought the Observer in 2023. Before taking on his role as publisher, Brian was the editor from 2010 to 2022, winning numerous awards for his column writing, photography and journalism, from the Florida Press Association.