The Florida Department of Health has announced that there are two presumptive positive cases in Broward County. 

The cases are a 75-year old male and a 65-year old male. Both are isolated and will remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. The cases are considered “presumptive positive” until the test results are confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials are working closely with the patients, potential close contacts of each case and health care providers to isolate and monitor persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and implement testing of anyone who may develop COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough or shortness of breath.

The city of Fort Lauderdale is maintaining close contact with Broward County, state and local health officials, and representatives from the healthcare, transportation, travel, and hospitality industries.

The city has no plans to cancel any events. The St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival and the inaugural home opener for Inter Miami CF soccer team continue to move forward to occur next weekend.

My office has been in contact with major venues locally. Representatives of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Museum of Discovery and Science both say that they are undertaking additional cleaning regimens and implementing other precautionary measures, but will continue their operations. The Florida Panthers hockey team says it is taking similar steps at the BB&T Center and will keep its schedule.

City staff in cooperation with event promoters, Police, Fire Rescue, and public safety personnel are working to implement additional precautionary measures to minimize the spread of germs. These include making sure there are additional hand-washing and hand-sanitizing stations at events, as well as additional cleaning and maintenance staff. We remind everyone, however, to please use common sense. If you are feeling ill, please stay home so you do not infect others.

As we are in one of our busiest travel seasons of the year, the city of Fort Lauderdale remains in contact with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau and leaders from our hotel and hospitality industry to ensure that messages about preventative steps visitors can take are being communicated on a regular and consistent basis. 

Public safety is our top priority, and given the Coronavirus is a rapidly changing situation, the city of Fort Lauderdale stands ready to adjust its planning and response accordingly should future conditions warrant, including having emergency responses plan in place that will be implemented in cooperation with local, state and federal agencies and authorities.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant, continue to monitor developments, practice proper hygiene and healthy habits, and continue to take proper preventative actions.

How Does coronavirus Spread?

Coronavirus can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract coronavirus by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Symptoms of coronavirus

Symptoms of coronavirus may appear within two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Prevention

The CDC recommends taking everyday preventive actions, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash immediately.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, please seek medical attention.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Should I be tested for Coronavirus?

If you are concerned that you have been exposed to C\coronavirus, please call the Florida Department of Health in Broward County at 954-412-7300 and your healthcare provider before traveling to any healthcare facility.

For More Information

The Florida Department of Health has established a dedicated Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-779-6121 that is available 24 hours a day seven days a week, as well as a dedicated email address at COVID-19@flhealth.gov which the public can use for questions or clarifications on issues related to the coronavirus.

For additional information regarding Coronavirus, please visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.cdc.gov or www.fortlauderdale.gov/coronvirus.