Coronavirus Updates | October – December 2021

Latest news is displayed first.

For resources and information on the Coronavirus, visit www.ocfl.net/Coronavirus. To watch any past news conference, visit the OrangeTV YouTube playlist.

For the most recent updates, please visit www.ocfl.net/CoronavirusUpdates.

Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo.

Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 12/28/21

COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS

As of Monday, December 27, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 14.60 percent. Additional County statistics include:

• CDC level of community transmission: HIGH
• Eligible residents (5+) who have one vaccine dose: 74 percent
• Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 252,327

With the rise in positive cases, both Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health, Dr. Raul Pino, encourages residents to get vaccinated, make sure they are up-to-date with their booster shots, and continue to practice COVID-19 safety measures, including wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing.

DRIVE-THRU COVID-19 TESTING

Orange County Health Services Department continues to provide free testing services to the community. Testing sites will observe the New Year’s holiday from Friday, December 31, 2021, through Saturday, January 1, 2022. During this time, services will be closed. Testing will resume regular operating hours on Sunday, January 2, 2022.

Orange County Health Services Department operates the following testing sites:

• Barnett Park
  4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808
  Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached
• Econ Soccer Complex
  8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807
  Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached
• South Orange Youth Sports Complex (opening Thursday, December 30, 2021)
  11800 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32824
  Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached

Effective immediately, patients will now be able to request that both rapid antigen and molecular PCR tests performed. However, due to the increase in demand for testing during the holidays, residents should plan to arrive early to Orange County’s testing sites. Long wait times are expected, as well as early closures due to reaching daily capacity limits.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, or for additional testing locations, visit ocfl.net/Testing.

COVID-19 VACCINES

Orange County Health Services Department continues to administer free vaccinations at Barnett Park. The vaccination site will observe the New Year’s holiday from Friday, December 31, 2021, through Saturday, January 1, 2022. During this time, services will be closed. Vaccinations will resume regular operating hours on Sunday, January 2, 2022.

Barnett Park offers vaccinations for individuals 5 years old and older:

• Individuals 12+ Years Old
  Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached
  Drive-thru: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
• Children 5-11 Years Old
  Saturday and Sunday only, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached
  Marlin Room, inside main building: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808

There are many location options for eligible individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County, including Orange County’s Barnett Park, Orange County Public Schools, mobile vaccination sites, Federal Retail Pharmacies, VA Orlando Health Care and other various community sites.

To find a vaccination site near you, visit ocfl.net/VaccineSites or Vaccines.gov.

#IGOTMYSHOT – UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES

The #IGotMyShot Mobile Vaccination Trailer continues to visit communities across the County. For more information about the #IGotMyShot trailer or a list of upcoming locations visit ocfl.net/IGotMyShot.

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE – APPLY NOW

To date, Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program has provided more than $16 million to keep 2,867 families in their homes.

The program is still open to provide assistance to residents who are behind on rent or at risk of being evicted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible residents include those living in unincorporated Orange County, Apopka, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Lake Buena Vista, Maitland, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden and Winter Park.

Residents can visit ocfl.net/RentalAssistance to review program details and to check if their address is eligible.

Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo.

Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 12/15/21

COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS

As of Tuesday, December 14, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 3.8 percent. Additional County statistics include:

• CDC level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL
• Eligible residents (5+) who have one vaccine dose: 68 percent
• Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 237,309

COVID-19 WASTEWATER MONITORING – OMICRON

On Monday, December 13, 2021, Orange County Utilities released the news that the Omicron variant was found after preliminary tests were conducted for the National Wastewater Surveillance System program. More tests were conducted, and today those tests confirm that the Omicron variant is the dominant variant found in all three Orange County Water Reclamation facilities — Eastern, South and Northwest facilities.

This holiday season, Orange County Government recommends that residents follow CDC health and safety guidelines when traveling or attending events. The continuous practice of safety measures, as well as testing and vaccinations are some of the best ways to control the spread of the coronavirus.

BARNETT PARK VACCINES AND TESTING

Orange County Government’s Health Services Department continues to provide COVID-19 services at Barnett Park, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Barnett Park is located at 4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808.

This month, staff will observe the following holidays in which services will be closed:

• Friday, December 24, 2021
• Saturday December 25, 2021
• Thursday December 30, 2021
• and Friday, December 31, 2021

For more information about COVID-19 vaccinations or testing at Barnett Park, visit ocfl.net/VaccineSites.

#IGOTMYSHOT – UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES

The #IGotMyShot Mobile Vaccination Trailer continues to visit convenient community locations across the County. For more information about the #IGotMyShot trailer or a list of upcoming locations visit ocfl.net/IGotMyShot.

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE – APPLY NOW

Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program remains open for individuals who are behind on rent or at risk of being evicted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, more than $15.3 million have been approved to keep 2,635 families in their homes.

Recently, the City of Orlando announced it has depleted its current federal funds dedicated to its Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Orange County is stepping in to bridge the gap and will temporarily offer assistance to Orlando residents, effective now until further notice.

Eligible residents include those living in unincorporated Orange County, Apopka, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Lake Buena Vista, Maitland, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden and Winter Park.

Residents can visit ocfl.net/RentalAssistance to review program details and to check if their address is eligible.

Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo.

Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 11/4/21

COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS

As of Wednesday, November 3, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 3.15 percent. Additional County statistics include:

• CDC level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL
• Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 76 percent
• Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 66 percent
• Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 233,010
• Total deaths in Orange County: 2,230

Although the County’s positivity rate continues to trend downwards, Orange County continues to recommend that residents follow CDC health and safety guidelines, including frequent hand washing.

COVID-19 VACCINES FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-11

On Tuesday, the CDC provided final approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to children ages 5-11 years old. Parents are encouraged to speak with their pediatrician about whether receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is appropriate for their children, as well as if the vaccine is available through their office. Orange County Government’s Health Services Department continues to work with the Florida Department of Health to plan its operations to provide vaccines for children ages 5-11 years old. Once details are finalized, Orange County will provide media and residents with the updated information.

Other vaccination option for this age group include:

• Orange County Public Schools: The Florida Department of Health and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) have partnered together to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years old. For more information, visit the OCPS website.
• Federal Retail Pharmacies: Parents of children ages 5-11 years old can contact their nearest Federal Retail Pharmacy location to check if vaccines for this age group are being administered. The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program is a collaboration between the federal government and national pharmacy partners to provide COVID-19 vaccines to residents.

BARNETT PARK VACCINES AND TESTING – GENERAL POPULATION

Orange County Government’s Health Services Department continues to provide community COVID-19 services at Barnett Park, located at 4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808.

• Vaccines: Free, drive-thru COVID-19 vaccinations are available 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Vaccine availability for initial series of shots, as well as boosters, includes Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. A vaccination record card/form is required for individuals receiving second doses or booster shots. For more vaccine information, visit ocfl.net/vaccine.
• Testing: Free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing is available 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Residents interested in receiving a COVID-19 test are recommended to arrive early to Orange County’s free drive-thru testing sites, as sites may close early due to reaching its daily capacity or severe afternoon weather. For more testing information, visit ocfl.net/testing.

#IGOTMYSHOT – UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES

The #IGotMyShot Mobile Vaccination Trailer continues to visit convenient community locations across the County. For more information about the #IGotMyShot trailer or a list of upcoming locations visit ocfl.net/IGotMyShot.

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Residents who are rent stressed or at risk of being evicted may be able to find assistance through the Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

To better assist those in need, the program has updated the total amount it will be able to provide residents seeking rental assistance from $20,000 to $30,000. Additionally, the program will now provide funds for up to 3 months of future rent, instead of 1 month.

This means, the program may help eligible residents pay 12 months of past due rent and 3 month of future rent, up to a total of $30,000. To date, more than $12.3 million have been distributed to keep 2,132 families in their homes – and Orange County has more to provide.

Eligible residents include those living in unincorporated Orange County, Apopka, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Lake Buena Vista, Maitland, Oakland, Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden and Winter Park. The program is not available for those living within the direct city limits of the City of Orlando, which has its own program for its residents.

Residents can visit ocfl.net/RentalAssistance to review program details and to check if their address is eligible.

Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo.

Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 10/27/21

COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS

As of Wednesday, October 27, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 3.51 percent. Additional County statistics include:

• CDC level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL (down from high)
• Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 75 percent
• Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 66 percent
• Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 232,110
• Total deaths in Orange County: 2,178

It is important to note that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate has been below 5 percent for 17 consecutive days. This is the fifth day the positivity rate is at 4% or below.

UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES

Effective Sunday, November 1, 2021 in addition to the COVID-19 vaccines, Orange County Health Services will continue to offer all three COVID -19 vaccination boosters to our community at its Barnett Park vaccination site.

Boosters are available through the FREE drive thru site daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday, with resources to accommodate up to 2000 vaccinations per day.

It is important to note that Orange County Health Services does not ask for an individual’s social security number or proof of residency to receive a vaccine.

• Barnett Park
  4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
  Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached
  No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle

For more vaccine information, or for additional sites, visit ocfl.net/VaccineSites.

COVID-19 TESTING

Effective November 1, 2021, the Barnett Park testing site will be the County’s only testing site.

Residents who are interested in receiving a COVID-19 test are recommended to arrive early to Orange County’s free drive-thru testing sites, as sites may close early due to reaching its daily capacity or severe afternoon weather.

• Barnett Park
  4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
  Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached
  No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle
• Econ Soccer Complex – This site will close effective November 1, 2021
  8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807
  Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., or until capacity is reached
  No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle

For more testing information, visit ocfl.net/Testing.

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE UPDATE

Orange County Government’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program continues to provide relief to households that are struggling to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Wednesday, October 25, 2021, $11.9+ million have been distributed to keep 2,214 families in their homes.

For more information or to review program details, visit ocfl.net/RentalAssistance.

Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo.

Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 10/21/21

COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS

As of Wednesday, October 20, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 4.09 percent. Additional County statistics include:

• CDC level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL (down from high)
• Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 75 percent
• Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 66 percent
• Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 231,363
• Total deaths in Orange County: 2,147

It is important to note that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate has been below 5 percent for 10 consecutive days.

UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES

Orange County Health Services Department continues to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccines at Barnett Park. It is important to know that Orange County Health Services does not ask for an individual’s social security number or proof of residency to receive a vaccine.

• Barnett Park
  4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
  Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached
  No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle

COVID-19 vaccines are available to eligible individuals seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted. For more vaccine information, or for additional sites, visit ocfl.net/VaccineSites.

COVID-19 TESTING

Residents who are interested in receiving a COVID-19 test are recommended to arrive early to Orange County’s free drive-thru testing sites, as sites may close early due to reaching its daily capacity or severe afternoon weather.

• Barnett Park
  4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
  Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached
  No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle
• Econ Soccer Complex
  8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807
  Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., or until capacity is reached
  No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle

COVID-19 testing will take place seven days a week at both sites unless otherwise noted. For more testing information, visit ocfl.net/Testing.

Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo.

Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 10/14/21

COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS

As of Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 5.37 percent. Additional County statistics include:

• Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 74 percent
• Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 65 percent
• Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 230,300
• Total deaths in Orange County: 2,126

COVID-19 VACCINE AT BARNETT PARK

As a reminder, Orange County Health Services has transitioned its free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site from Camping World Stadium to Barnett Park. Vaccinations will take place seven days a week at Barnett Park unless otherwise noted. The site will administer the following vaccines:

• Pfizer – first dose, second dose, booster for eligible individuals
• Moderna – second dose only
• Johnson & Johnson – single dose

To date, Orange County Government has administered more than 1.7 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the community. For more COVID-19 vaccine information, visit ocfl.net/Vaccines.

#IGOTMYSHOT – UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES

The #IGotMyShot Mobile Vaccination Trailer continues to visit convenient community locations across the County. For a list of upcoming locations, visit ocfl.net/IGotMyShot.

COVID-19 TESTING

Residents who are interested in receiving a COVID-19 test are recommended to arrive early to Orange County’s free drive-thru testing sites, as sites may close early due to reaching its daily capacity or severe afternoon weather. Testing will take place seven days a week at both sites unless otherwise noted.

• Barnett Park
  4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
  Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached
  No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle
• Econ Soccer Complex
  8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807
  Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., or until capacity is reached
  No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle

To date, Orange County Government has administered more than 460,000 COVID-19 tests throughout the community. For more COVID-19 testing information, visit ocfl.net/Testing.

Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo.

Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 10/11/21

COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS

As of Sunday, October 10, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 6.04 percent. Additional County statistics include:

• CDC level of community transmission: HIGH
• Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 74 percent
• Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 65 percent
• Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 229,673
• Total deaths in Orange County: 2,090

COVID-19 VACCINE AT BARNETT PARK

As a reminder, Orange County Health Services has transitioned its free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site from Camping World Stadium to Barnett Park. Vaccinations will take place seven days a week at Barnett Park unless otherwise noted. The site will administer the following vaccines:

• Pfizer – first dose, second dose, booster for eligible individuals
• Moderna – second dose only
• Johnson & Johnson – single dose

For more vaccine information, visit ocfl.net/Vaccines.

COVID-19 TESTING

Orange County Health Services continues to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at two mass-testing sites across the County — Barnett Park and Econ Soccer Complex.

• Barnett Park
  4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
  Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached
  No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle
• Econ Soccer Complex
  8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807
  Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., or until capacity is reached
  No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle

Testing will take place seven days a week at both sites unless otherwise noted. For additional COVID-19 testing locations, please visit ocfl.net/Testing.

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX COLLECTIONS

Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond announced that Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for August, 2021 were $16,462,100, a 184.2 percent increase compared to August, 2020. Additional statistics include:

• Month-over-month, August 2021 collections were lower than July, 2021 collections by $8.2 million and also lower than August 2019 collections by $3.5 million.

For more TDT information, visit the Office of the Comptroller’s website to read its news release.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

This month, Orange County residents have several ways to stay involved with their local government. The following events are free and open to all residents to participate:

• Redistricting Meeting
  Monday, October 11, 2021 at 6 p.m.
  Meetings on Orange County’s 2021 Redistricting process are scheduled now until the end of the year. Residents are highly encouraged to participate in readjusting the population between County commission districts to ensure fair and equal representation. To learn more or to find a meeting near you, visit ocfl.net/redistricting.
• Virtual Community Conference
  Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 10 a.m.
  Orange County’s annual Community Conference provides residents an opportunity to learn about innovative ways to improve neighborhoods by connecting residents and community leaders with their local government. To view the conference agenda or to register, visit ocfl.net/CommunityConference.

COVID-19 WASTEWATER MONITORING

Orange County Government’s Utilities Department continues its participation in the National Wastewater Surveillance System. The program monitors wastewater from water reclamation facilities to analyze the concentration and spread of the coronavirus. Below is concentration information from October 7.

• The Eastern Water Reclamation Facility (EWRF) decreased to 147,160
• South Water Reclamation Facility (SWRF) decreased to 301,016
• Northwest Water Reclamation Facility (NWRF) increased slightly to 189,266

All three reclamation facilities decreased dramatically over this time last month.

• The Northwest facility decreased by 78% over September 6.
• The South Water facility decreased by 47% over September 6.
• The Eastern Water facility decreased by 80% over September 6.

The results for two of the three service areas are lower than the previous sample results and continue to show a sustained downward trend in our service areas. Also, these results are starting to resemble the lower concentrations seen in May and June.

The Lambda and Mu variants were not detected in any of the three (3) service areas.

Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo.

Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 10/4/21

COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS

As of Sunday, October 3, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 7.67 percent. Additional County statistics include:

• CDC level of community transmission: HIGH
• Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 74 percent
• Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 64 percent
• Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 228,156
• Total deaths in Orange County: 2,045

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATES: VACCINES MOVE TO BARNETT PARK

Beginning, Saturday, October 9, 2021, Orange County Health Services will move its free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site from Camping World Stadium to Barnett Park. Staff at Barnett Park will administer the following vaccines:

• Pfizer – first dose, second dose, booster for eligible individuals
• Moderna – second dose only
• Johnson & Johnson – single dose

Vaccines will be available at Camping World Stadium until 5 p.m. on Friday, October 8, 2021, then begin at Barnett Park at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Vaccinations will take place seven days a week at Barnett Park unless otherwise noted.

For more vaccine information, visit ocfl.net/Vaccines.

COVID-19 TESTING UPDATES: CLARCONA SITE CLOSURE

On Sunday, October 10, 2021, at 5 p.m., Orange County Health Services will permanently close its free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at the former Clarcona Elementary.

It is important to know that Orange County Health Services will continue providing free drive-thru testing at Barnett Park and Econ Soccer Complex. Testing will take place seven days a week at both sites unless otherwise noted.

For additional COVID-19 testing locations, please visit ocfl.net/Testing.

COVID-19 WASTEWATER MONITORING

Orange County Government’s Utilities Department continues its participation in the National Wastewater Surveillance System. The program monitors wastewater from water reclamation facilities to analyze the concentration and spread of the coronavirus. Below is concentration information from September 30.

• South Water Reclamation Facility: decreased to 321,384
• East Water Reclamation Facility: increased to 789,993
• Northwest Water Reclamation Facility: decreased to 349,457

Current samples were included in beta testing for four additional mutations and two new variants of the Coronavirus. Based on that testing, the Lambda and Mu variants were not detected in any of our service areas. Overall, Orange County Utilities is seeing a sustained downward trend in our service areas.

Please find all previous updates on the previous Coronavirus Updates page.