Click here to listen to The Critical Times' weekly stories about COVID-19's impact on the Florida Suncoast.

Please complete the form found here if you need assistance of any kind or if you can offer assistance to members of the community.

Sarasota County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or ERAP, provides rental and utility assistance to Sarasota County residents who meet certain income requirements and can demonstrate housing instability. Funding is still available. Click here to see if you qualify and how to apply. 

The COVID Racial Data Tracker is a collaboration between the COVID Tracking Project and the Antiracist Research & Policy Center. Together, we're gathering the most complete race and ethnicity data on COVID-19 in the United States.

The National Conference of State Legislatures brings you up-to-date, real-time information about bills related to and responding to COVID-19 that have been introduced in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

World Health Organization (WHO) Website FAQ

CDC Website

Florida Department of Health Website

Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) Website

The New York Times Coronavirus page

Sign up for a free daily coronavirus briefing from the New York Times here.

NPR's COVID-19 coverage

Avi Schiffmann's website tracking coronavirus has become one of the most vital resources for people seeking accurate and updated numbers on the pandemic. He's a 17-year-old high school junior from Mercer Island outside Seattle, who started the site in late December, when coronavirus had not yet been detected outside of China. Now the site has been visited by tens of millions, from every country on Earth. It tracks deaths, numbers of cases locally and globally, and provides an interactive map, information on the disease, and a Twitter feed. The resource updates every minute or so, and pulls information from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and elsewhere.

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline and Email:

866-779-6121 (8am-5pm, Monday-Friday)

[email protected]

A Sarasota-specific call center for questions and concerns about COVID-19 is now available through the Department of Health in Sarasota County

941-861-2873. Subject matter experts are available Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. 

Sarasota Memorial Hospital COVID-19 Hotline:

941-917-8799

* The Supreme Court has blocked the Biden administration from enforcing its sweeping vaccine-or-test requirements for large private companies.

* But the conservative-majority court allowed a vaccine mandate to stand for medical facilities that take Medicare or Medicaid payments.

* The OSHA mandate required that workers at businesses with 100 or more employees get vaccinated or submit a negative Covid test weekly to enter the workplace.

January 13, 2022

Statement attributable to 
Gerald E. Harmon, M.D.
President, American Medical Association:

“In the face of a continually evolving COVID-19 pandemic that poses a serious danger to the health of our nation, the Supreme Court today halted one of the most effective tools in the fight against further transmission and death from this aggressive virus. While the American Medical Association (AMA) is pleased by today’s opinion allowing the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s (CMS) interim rule requiring COVID-19 vaccines for health care workers to take effect, we are deeply disappointed that the Court blocked the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency temporary standard for COVID-19 vaccination and testing for large businesses from moving forward."

Click here to learn the facts about Omicron

According to the Centers for Disease Control, despite the increased attention of Omicron, Delta continues to be the main variant circulating in the United States.

CDC Update: everyone ages 18 and older 

should get a COVID-19 booster shot

You may choose which COVID-19 vaccine you receive as a booster shot. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

Scheduling Your Booster Shot

If you need help scheduling your booster shot, contact the location that set up your previous appointment. If you need to get your booster shot in a location different from where you received your previous shot, there are several ways you can find a vaccine provider.

CDC recommends everyone ages 5 and older 

get a COVID-19 vaccine 

Widespread vaccination for COVID-19 is a critical tool to best protect everyone, especially those at highest risk, from severe illness and death. People who are fully vaccinated can safely resume many activities that they did prior to the pandemic. Children ages 5 years and older are able to get an age-appropriate dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. 

Learn more about what you and your child or teen can do when fully vaccinated.

Find a COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5 Years and Older

• The federal government is providing the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.

• Check with your child’s healthcare provider about whether they offer COVID-19 vaccination. Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination walk-ins or appointments are available for children.

• Contact your state, territorial, local, or tribal health department for more information.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine: Search vaccines.gov, 

text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 

to find locations near you.

***INFORMATION GATHERED FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES***

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/25/health/covid-boosters-cdc-fda.html

A new drive-thru COVID-19 testing site has opened Venice, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The new site is in the south parking lot of the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. South. It is a joint venture of the Department of Health, the City of Venice and Sarasota-based Lab Services.

Free PCR testing will be offered 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No appointments will be required and anyone can be tested, regardless of symptoms.

The new site is in addition to the four public sites currently operating in Sarasota County:

• Former Sarasota Kennel Club, 5400 Old Bradenton Rd, Sarasota. This drive-through site is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. offering rapid and PCR COVID-19 testing. This site is operated by Nomi Health.

• Robert L. Taylor Community Complex parking lot, 1845 34th Street, Sarasota. This walk-up site is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PCR COVID-19 testing is available throughout the day. This site is operated by Lab Services.

• Ed Smith Stadium parking lot, 2700 12th Street, Sarasota. This drive-through COVID-19 testing site will offer PCR testing only and will operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This site is operated by Real Diagnostics.

• Dallas White Park, 5900 Greenwood Ave, North Port. This walk-up site is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PCR COVID-19 testing is available throughout the day. This site is operated by Lab Services.

The Florida Department of Health - Sarasota operates no-appointment necessary, walk-in COVID 19 vaccination clinics offering all authorized doses of Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccine:

• DOH Sarasota (Downtown), 2200 Ringling Blvd. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• DOH Sarasota (North Port), 6950 Outreach Way. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The health department recommends that individuals contact their medical provider, local retail pharmacies or visit vaccines.gov for vaccine availability near them.

It recommends face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community, you should:

• Stay home except to get medical care
• Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
• Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis

DOH UPDATE (as of August 19, 1:30 p.m.):

The third dose of COVID-19 vaccine is now available at the Department of Health – Sarasota (DOH) 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for those individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. No appointment is needed.

The third shot can be administered 28 days after an individual has received both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines only. While your vaccination card is not required, DOH-Sarasota must be able to validate the first two doses you previously received.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend additional doses for any other individuals at this time. However, those who are immunocompromised are strongly encouraged to consult their physicians prior to receiving the additional dose.

Department of Health Sarasota County - North Port

Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Department of Health Sarasota County - Sarasota

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday and Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

Adults 18 and older who walk-up to receive the Moderna vaccine must bring a ID and signed consent form, available on site. Individuals walking up for their first-dose should pay close attention to the information packet they will receive as it has instructions and information to return 28 days later for the second dose of Moderna.

The Palmetto Bus Station 

1802 Eighth Ave. W. in Palmetto, 34221

The Manatee health department and the Florida Division of Emergency Management are operating the combined vaccine and COVID-19 testing site jointly. 

The new joint testing and vaccine site will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Health officials will offer both PCR and rapid COVID tests and Moderna vaccinations for free. Appointments are not necessary, but visitors should bring proof of Florida residency.

Robert L. Taylor Community Complex parking lot 1845 34th St.,

Dallas White Park, 5900 Greenwood Ave, North Port.

The Florida Department of Health-Sarasota (DOH), Sarasota County, the City of North Port, and the City of Sarasota have partnered with Sarasota-based Lab Services to increase the availability of COVID-19 testing in the community. Beginning August 9, Lab Services will be operating walk-up testing sites at Dallas White Park in North Port, and at the Robert L. Taylor Community Center in Sarasota. 

Testing will be offered 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday at both locations:

· Robert L. Taylor Community Complex parking lot, 1845 34th Street, Sarasota.

· Dallas White Park, 5900 Greenwood Ave, North Port.

Testing is free, PCR and Rapid Antigen tests will be available. No appointments will be required, and anyone can be tested regardless of their symptoms.

No appointment is necessary and anyone can be tested regardless of symptoms. Photo identification will be required. Spanish-speaking technicians will be on site.

PCR and antigen (rapid) testing will be offered, with PCR results provided in 24 hours and rapid testing results in 30 minutes.

Additional Resources

Drive-thru Testing: A free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site is available at the former Sarasota Kennel Club, 5400 Old Bradenton Road, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. An appointment is not required.

COVID-19 Hotline: A COVID-19 hotline operated by the Department of Health-Sarasota County is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 941-861-2883.

The state testing location in Bradenton is no longer in operation. Many pharmacies offer COVID-19 testing. Nearby testing sites are listed below:

• Near Bradenton Area Convention Center:
• Walgreens 8th Ave. Palmetto
• CVS 8th Ave. Palmetto
• CVS Bradenton
• CVS West Bradenton
• Ellenton Urgent Care

Other ways to get tested:

Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care Centers

CVS

Walgreens

America's Pharmacy

Ellenton Urgent Care

COVID 19 RESOURCES -- NEW as of 12/23/20

Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines - CDC

COVID-19 Vaccines in Florida - FL DOH

Information about Emerging Variant COVID-19 Strain - CDC

All Faiths Food Bank Food Distribution

The Food Bank of Manatee Food Distribution

PREVIOUS RESOURCES

Coronavirus Relief Fund Rental Assistance Program
United Way Suncoast Coronavirus Assistance Center
Paper Application Link to File for Unemployment in Florida
CareerSource Suncoast
Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Manatee Chamber of Commerce Job Focus
Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce
COVID-19 Resource Toolkit
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Provisions Related to Unemployment Compensation in the CARES Act
FAQ on the Bill's Rebates (Direct Cash Payments to Americans)
Explainer on How The Bill's Rebates Work in Terms of Social Security
Information for Small Businesses in the CARES Act
Small Business Relief Measures in the CARES Act
IRS Direct Cash Assistance Information
Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
Restaurant Workers Community Foundation
Consumer Guidance
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota
Re-Employment Assistance Service Center

Food for Kids

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried activated a text line and call center to find free meals for kids during the school closures. Text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211 to find the closest participating Summer BreakSpot location with meals available. Residents can also call 2-1-1 to speak with a live operator for additional information. https://summerbreakspot.freshfromflorida.com

Library Hoopla

Hoopla, Hooray! Sarasota County Libraries has temporarily increased all Hoopla checkouts to 10! Get instant access to all your favorite movies, shows, music, books and audiobooks!

https://www.scgov.net/government/libraries/library-resources/library-app

Information on starting a Mutual Aid Network

For answers to questions about COVID-19, visit the World Health Organization Website.

What is COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is a recently discovered coronavirus that can cause respiratory infection. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

Who is most at risk?

Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

How does COVID-19 spread?

As of March 2020, the disease is known to spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

Can someone without symptoms spread COVID-19?

The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms.

What are the best ways to protect myself and others?

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Maintain social distancing by limiting your contact with those who are coughing or sneezing, and staying home as much as possible especially when sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
• When you cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call your health care provider in advance.
• Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

The Critical Times team is committed to coming together in this time of stress and anxiety, as it is clear that one of the most important things we can do as a community is take care of each other. Across the country, and the world, we have seen what is possible when we come together to share resources, knowledge, and creativity. Our job is to keep our community informed of critical news developments, and that is what we will continue to do. Below are some community-centered resources, compiled by the Urbana-Champaign Indy Media Center.

• YES! Magazine’s article on Facing COVID-19 with Community Instead of Fear.
• Leah Piepzna-Samarasinha’s comprehensive article with extensive information on health and prevention, emergency readiness, and mutual aid: “Half Assed Disabled Prepper Tips for Preparing for a Coronavirus Quarantine” Because it’s long, here is a topic list for you:

• Water: page 3
• Food: page 6
• Prep list: page 9
• Cleaning: page 11
• Meds, Health, and Disabilities: 12
• List of external articles she suggests: page 14 

• Mutual aid info: end of page 14, and including Pod Mapping for Mutual Aid.

• Immediately start social-distancing practices
• Prepare yourself on a logistical level
• Prepare your emotional and community support network
• Optimize your own psychological and physical health to boost your immunity and your resilience
• Start looking for the opportunities of what you can do at home, which helps so you don’t feel bored and anxious
• Get involved in improve-the-world opportunities that this extended break from business-as-usual will provide

What should I do if I have symptoms or have been exposed?

• Call your healthcare provider, or call before going to the emergency room.
• The Washington State Department of Health has guidance available for people who have or think they may have COVID-19:
• What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19

How do I get tested?

• If you have symptoms, call your healthcare provider. Your healthcare professional will work with your county health department to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
• According to the Florida Department of Health, a person who is tested will have three specimens taken: oral, nasal, and saliva. The samples will be given to the county health department, who will then either ship or deliver them to the closest state laboratory. If a specimen is tested positive, it will be identified as ‘presumptive positive’ until the result is confirmed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For more information on COVID-19 testing see CDC Tests for COVID-19.