Orange County opens vaccination site in Winter Garden

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings introduced a three-phased plan to ease social distancing and face coverings in a COVID-19 press conference held April 28. Information about new vaccination sites was revealed as well.

• Phase 1 – Effective immediately. Reduce physical distance from 6 to 3 feet in all settings. Fully vaccinated individuals should follow CDC guidelines for wearing facial coverings.

• Phase 2 – Effective when 50 percent of the population 16 and older has received the first dose of the vaccine. Facial covering mandate for outdoors is lifted for all individuals. Physical distancing of at least 3 feet between groups is encouraged. Facial coverings are still required for indoors, except when eating or drinking.

• Phase 3 – Effective when 70 percent of the population 16 or older has received the first dose of the vaccine and/or Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 5% or below. All mandates are lifted.

LAST DAY FOR FIRST DOSES AT CONVENTION CENTER

The drive-thru vaccination site at the Orange County Convention Center will provide its final round of first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, May 1. After that, the site will only administer pre-scheduled second doses.

Residents can book an appointment before Saturday by visiting ocfl.net/vaccine.

NEW COVID-19 VACCINES SITES

In partnership with Orange County Government, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County has opened four free, walk-up vaccination sites throughout the county — including one in Winter Garden — to all eligible residents. These sites will replace the convention center location and will open for vaccinations on Tuesday, May 4.

 In Winter Garden, the West Orange Recreation Center Gymnasium, at 309 S. West Crown Point Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.

For more information, dial 311 or visit ocfl.net/vaccine. A parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form and be present at time of vaccination for 16- and 17-year old residents.

The site will provide walk-up service during operating hours or until daily capacity is reached.

BARNETT PARK ADDS COVID-19 VACCINE DRIVE-THRU LANE

In addition to testing – which has been extended to the end of May– Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, will serve as a drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site for residents. Residents visiting the location are asked to look out for signs directing them to either testing or vaccines. The site will open for vaccinations Saturday, May 1, and no appointments are needed.

Barnett Park will administer up to 750 Pfizer-brand vaccines per day. The site will provide walk-up service seven days a week, or until daily capacity is reached. As a reminder for 16- and 17-year-old residents, a parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form and be present at time of vaccination.