Officials in Florida were forced to close the emergency management division operations center Thursday due to a coronavirus outbreak.
The Tampa Bay Times reported that 12 employees in the building tested positive for COVID-19, and self-quarantined. The rest will reportedly vacate the building as it is thoroughly cleaned.
“We have been doing biweekly testing at the EOC for several weeks and mandatory masks. The Division has had several positives during that period. Those people have been isolated while we continue testing. We also instituted teleworking at the EOC and remained at one level 1, “the agency said on Twitter.
We have been conducting biweekly tests at the EOC for several weeks and required masks. The Division has had several positive aspects throughout that period. Those individuals have been isolated as we continue testing. We also instituted teleworking at the EOC and remain at level 1.
– FL Emergency Management Division (@FLSERT) July 16, 2020
“The safety of my employees and their families is paramount. That is why we have had aggressive controls, temperature controls, since February, masks and mandatory testing. We will continue to operate and respond during this period,” added Jared Moskowitz, the lead agency. “We are all in this together.”
The safety of my employees and their families is paramount. That is why we have had aggressive exams, temperature controls, since February, masks and mandatory tests. We will continue to operate and respond during this period. We are all in this together. https://t.co/QObHXMjfWW
– Jared MASKowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) July 16, 2020
Florida has become an epicenter of new coronavirus infections in the US in recent days due to an increase in hospitalizations and new cases threatening to overwhelm hospitals across the state.
Florida government Ron DeSantis
Ronald Dion DeSantisPence says Republican Party considers moving to outdoor convention Listening to Trump gave Sunbelt governors a new headache COVID-19 Florida records highest number of deaths from coronavirus in one day MORE (R) has rejected any notion that the state will close non-core business again.
“We are open. We know who we should protect. Most people in those younger demographics, while we want them to be aware of what is happening, they are simply much less at risk than people in those older age groups.” , said.
The state reported more than 15,000 new cases in a 24-hour period on Sunday, the highest number of new cases it has seen in that period since the pandemic began.
.
