FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) is recommending precautions for anyone with a chronic medical condition or immune compromised and are receiving home health services.  

Anyone with a chronic medical condition or immune compromised and are receiving home health services should:

• Avoid close contact to anyone that is sick and do not allow anyone that is showing symptoms of respiratory infection to enter your home such as cough, fever, shortness of breath and sore throat.
• Do not allow persons who have traveled internationally in the past 14 days to enter your home.
• Do not allow persons who have traveled on a cruise ship in the past 14 days to enter your home.

Older adults (60 and older), anyone with a serious chronic medical condition or anyone who is immune compromised are most at risk for serious illness from COVID-19.

Governor DeSantis directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Agency for Health Care Administration to take action to restrict access to vulnerable populations for those who may have been exposed to COVID-19. On March 11, 2020 Emergency Order 20-002 became effective prohibiting certain individuals from entering facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family care homes, long-term care facilities and adult group homes.

Everyday preventative actions can prevent the spread of COVID-19 including:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
• Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons in poor health;
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue;
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, 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; and

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The CDC does not recommend that asymptomatic, healthy people wear 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).

Please visit the Department's dedicated COVID-19 webpage at www.FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19. This remains the best and most up-to-date resource for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.

For more questions about COVID-19 in Okaloosa County, please call the DOH-Okaloosa Public Information line at 850-344-0566 Monday-Friday 7 a.m.- 5p.m. FDOH COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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