BREVARD COUNTY, FL. -- The Florida Department of Health has confirmed two deaths related to COVID-19 in Brevard County.
As of Tuesday (April 7) morning, Brevard County has (95) confirmed cases of coronavirus, with (28) hospitalized and six of those on ventilators. According to FDOH, two COVID-19 deaths in Brevard County were reported within a 24-hour period, both involving people over the age of 75.
"This battle is a mutual battle against coronavirus," said Brevard County Commission Chair Bryan Lober. "We all need to take recommendations by the CDC and by the FDOH as seriously as you can. I don’t want anyone to unnecessarily have to go through what these folks’ families are going through. You need to protect yourselves. You need to stay at home if you don’t need to go out, especially if you’re in a high-risk category either as a result of advanced age or as a result of one or more pre-existing conditions."
As of today, FDOH was reporting (283) COVID-19-related deaths in the state, with (14,504) confirmed cases of COVID-19 statewide. In Brevard County, (52) men and (43) women have tested positive. Of those cases, 6 patients are non-residents. The ages of those affected range from 1 to 94, according to FDOH.
In Brevard County, FDOH and OMNI Healthcare are conducting by-appointment-only drive-through coronavirus testing. FDOH has drive-through testing in North, Central and South Brevard County. To be tested by FDOH, you must have symptoms, which include a fever of 100.4 or higher, cough, and shortness of breath, and meet ONE of the following criteria:
Be age 65 or older
Have underlying health conditions
Be a first responder
Have a prescription from a medical doctor
To schedule an appointment with FDOH, call 321-454-7141
OMNI Healthcare has a drive-through testing at a location in Melbourne. To be tested you must meet ONE of the following criteria:
Be a first responder
Be over 45 with one chronic illness
Be over 60 years old
Be a healthcare worker
Be a Publix or Winn Dixie employee
Have a low-grade fever or cough
Other healthcare providers and urgent-care clinics are also providing testing.
Brevard County Emergency Management recommends following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which is to maintain social distance of at least 6 feet from others, to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching your face. Other recommendations include:
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then discard the tissue
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Avoid contact with people who are sick
If you are sick, stay home.
