State, county health departments open coronavirus call centers

The two call centers will be available Monday through Friday.

By Amy Quesinberry
| 6:11 p.m. March 3, 2020

West Orange Times & Observer
News

To better serve and assist residents regarding concerns about the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19), the Florida Department of Health has established a call center to answer general questions residents and visitors might have.

The Florida Department of Health's dedicated COVID-19 Call Center number is (866) 779-6121. The call center is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents can also send questions via email at [email protected].

For information, visit the Florida Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage at FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has established a coronavirus call center phone number for Orange County residents. The phone number is (407) 723-5004.

The DOH-Orange Call Center is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Florida DOH emphasizes that despite the recent confirm COVID-19 cases in Florida, the overall immediate threat to the public remains low. DOH-Orange has been planning and coordinating with community partners to address any cases that might occur in Orange County. The procedures and protocols are in place.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. As a reminder, the Florida Department of Health always recommends everyday preventive actions to help impede the spread of respiratory diseases, 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)

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

For information, visit FloridaHealth.gov.

author

Amy Quesinberry

Community Editor Amy Quesinberry was born at the old West Orange Memorial Hospital and raised in Winter Garden. Aside from earning her journalism degree from the University of Georgia, she hasn’t strayed too far from her hometown and her three-mile bubble. She grew up reading The Winter Garden Times and knew in the eighth grade she wanted to write for her community newspaper. She has been part of the writing and editing team since 1990.