Pandemic Achievements: Orange County Government Leads the Way through COVID-19

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings’ March 8, 2021 COVID-19 Update marked the 115th live news conference providing pertinent information to all residents regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the coronavirus transformed our lives one year ago, Orange County Government has led the way in not only keeping the community informed, but also helping residents stay safe and providing free resources to residents and businesses.

Here are key actions Orange County Government has taken:

TESTING:
Since April 2020, Orange County Health Services has offered free COVID-19 testing to residents at 24 different sites on a rotating basis. In November 2020, Health Services began operating a COVID-19 testing site at Barnett Park (open seven days a week) that offers both free PCR/molecular and rapid tests. More than 346,967 tests have been performed to date.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):
The County has led the way with providing PPE. Over 15 million disposable face masks have been distributed, along with 2 million bottles of hand sanitizer to small businesses, faith-based organizations, nonprofits and neighborhood centers. Additionally, PPE was distributed to nearly 160 assisted living and long-term care facilities.

VACCINATIONS:
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County’s site at the Orange County Convention Center has become ground zero in the public safety response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 350,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered since March 2020. Since December 2020, the Convention Center has distributed more than 100,000 vaccines to residents. Orange County Fire Rescue and Health Services Department has supported the operations and logistics of the vaccination site. Visit net/vaccine for more information.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
Orange County directed nearly $80 million in local CARES funding to small and home-based businesses. The grant programs provided up to $10,000 in assistance. Business owners used the money to help with paying rent, meeting payroll, buying needed supplies and making their businesses safer with PPE and other social distancing safety tools. Orange County also directed approximately $84 million to social services and community needs, which included the County’s $1,000 grant program for individuals and families affected by COVID-19.

HOUSING PROTECTION:
The Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance Program is currently helping our most vulnerable tenants who are past-due in rent as a result of financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is currently distributing $33 million of federal funds to assist eligible Orange County residents. Previously, the County’s COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Program disbursed $11 million to landlords in order to help 3,784 families stay in their homes.

To stay informed about the latest vaccine information and other important information, visit ocfl.net/COVID19.