May 24, 2021 - Testing operations will conclude at the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FL SERT): Regency Square Mall Site as of today, May 24. Vaccinations will continue to be available at this location until further notice.

May 13, 2021 - Testing operations will conclude at the Legends Center as of today, May 14. Vaccinations will continue to be available at this location until further notice.

May 3, 2021 - Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Orders 21‐101 and 21‐102 suspending all local emergency orders until July 1, 2021, at which point local orders will be permanently invalidated pursuant to SB 2006.

Governor DeSantis also signed SB 2006, which prohibits requirements of COVID‐ 19 vaccination documentation and imposes limits on local government powers, including:

• Requires the governmental entity imposing an ordinance or other measure that deprives a person of a right or liberty to prove that the measure is “narrowly tailored” to address a “compelling public health or safety purpose”
• Authorizes the Governor to invalidate an order that “unnecessarily restricts individual rights or liberties”
• Limits the duration of emergency orders to 7 days, with the option to renew the orders up to 5 times

April 2, 2021 - The City of Jacksonville Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program is now accepting applications to assist Duval County residents who have been unable to pay their rent or utilities due to a loss of income from COVID-19. Applications are also being accepted for another round of the Mortgage Relief Program. This program will distribute more than $4 million of federal funds to Duval County residents who are unable to pay their mortgage payments due to a loss of income related to COVID-19.

March 26, 2021 - Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 21-79 allowing persons aged 40 and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 29, 2021. The following Monday, April 5, 2021, all Floridians age 18 and older will be eligible.

March 25, 2021 - Governor Ron DeSantis announced that beginning Monday, March 29, 2021, persons aged 40 and older would be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The following Monday, April 5, 2021, all Floridians age 18 and older will be eligible.

March 19, 2021 - Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 21-67, lowering the COVID-19 vaccination eligibility age to persons ages 50 years old and older beginning Monday, March 22, 2021.

February 19, 2021 - Governor DeSantis announced the opening of an additional vaccination site in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The site, located at Gateway Mall, 5200 Norwood Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32208 will open March 3, 2021 and be operational 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also, today is the last day for individuals who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Prime Osborn Convention Center to receive their second dose at this location.

February 4, 2021 - Mayor Lenny Curry announced the opening of an additional City-sponsored COVID-19 vaccine distribution facility located at the Clanzel T. Brown Community Center. The Site will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. February 5th and 6th.

January 28, 2021 - Mayor Curry announced the detailed plan to distribute the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the two City of Jacksonville supported vaccine sites. Individuals who received their first dose at these sites will return to the same location for their second dose..

January 25, 2021 - Mayor Lenny Curry issued Emergency Executive Proclamation 2021-001 extending the mandate to wear face masks or coverings in Duval County. 

January 22, 2021: Both City of Jacksonville supported vaccine sites (Mandarin Senior Center and Lane Wiley Senior Center) have distributed all allotted first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals who received their first dose at these sites will return to the same location for their second dose. The Prime Osborne is also no longer offering first doses of vaccines. Those who recieved their first doses of vaccination at the Prime Osborne may return for their second dose at the time indicated on their vaccination card (28 days for Moderna recipients, 21 days for Pfizer recipients). 

January 20, 2021 - The Florida Division of Emergency Management began distributing COVID vaccinations to those eligible for Phase 1 on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Regency Mall. Vaccinations are by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 866-200-3762.

January 8, 2021 - Mayor Lenny Curry announced that operations at two senior centers will transition from COVID-19 testing to vaccine distribution starting Monday, Jan. 11. The vaccination sites at Mandarin Senior Center and Lane Wiley Senior Center will operate Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. At this time, the vaccine will only be available to Duval County residents who are 65 years of age or older, frontline medical workers or first responders.

January 4, 2021 - The Florida Department of Health in Duval County began distributing vaccinations  at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. At this time, only healthcare workers with direct patient contact and individuals 65 years of age and older are able to receive the vaccination. 

December 29, 2020 - Governor Ron DeSantis issued E.O. #2020-316 RE: Emergency Management – Extension of Executive Order 20-52-COVID-19.

December 26, 2020 - Mayor Lenny Curry issued Emergency Executive Proclamation 2020-011 extending the mandate to wear face masks or coverings in Duval County.

December 23, 2020 - Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-315 regarding the administration of vaccines to Phase I recipients.

December 14, 2020 - Phase I of the FDOH COVID-19 Vaccination Plan is in effect, prioritizing Health care personnel, Essential workers, and Long Term Care Facility residents.

December 10, 2020 - Governor DeSantis announced that Florida will receive 179,400 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination distribution will be prioritized with vulnerable residents and high-exposure health care personnel receiving the vaccine first.

December 4, 2020 - The Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program is now accepting applications for residential tenants and landlords at jacksonvillecares.com.

November 26, 2020 - Mayor Lenny Curry issued Emergency Executive Proclamation 2020-0109 extending the mandate to wear face masks or coverings in Duval County. View the Emergency Executive Proclamation here.

November 2, 2020 - COVID-19 testing will be suspended Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Mandarin and Leroy D. Clemons senior centers, located at 3848 Hartley Road – 32257 and 55 N. Jackson Ave. – 32229, respectively. The sites will reopen and resume normal hours of operation (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.) Wednesday, Nov. 4. The day-long closures will make sufficient parking available to in-person voters.

October 27, 2020 - City Council approved $5.3 million in CARES Act Funding for local eviction and foreclosure relief. The Jacksonville Bar Association will oversee the distribution of the funding.

October 22, 2020 - Governor DeSantis announced that he had instructed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to update the Emergency Order regarding long-term care facility visitation.

October 12, 2020 - The free walk-up testing site at the Legends Center will relocate to the Lincoln Villa Senior Center, 7866 New Kings Road – 32219. Hours of operation will remain 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. The temporary move is being made to thoroughly sanitize and prepare the Legends Center for its use as an early voting station.

October 5, 2020 - In-person jury service has resumed at the Duval County Courthouse. Visit the Duval Clerk’s jury for additional information.

October 2 -  All State supported COVID-19 test sites have ceased antibody testing. There are still sites providing this testing page in Duval County. Visit JaxReady.com/COVIDTesting to view all local test sites and their capabilities.

September 28, 2020 - Mayor Lenny Curry issued Emergency Executive Proclamation 2020-008 extending the mandate to wear face masks or coverings in Duval County.

September 25, 2020 - Governor DeSantis announced that Florida is now in Phase 3 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan. He also issued Executive Order 20-244 addressing Phase 3, the Right to Work, Business Certainty, and the Suspension of Fines.

September 22, 2020 - The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released considerations for upcoming fall and winter celebrations.

September 1, 2020 - Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-211, extending the moratorium on mortgage foreclosure and rent evictions though October 1, 2020. 

August 31, 2020 - The City of Jacksonville is has established student express lanes at four area COVID-19 testing locations. These locations include:

• Oceanway Senior Center
• Lane Wiley Senior Center
• Leroy D. Clemons Senior Center
• Mandarin Senior Center

Students must have a verification letter from their school, and their parent or guardian must accompany them to provide consent for the test.

August 24, 2020 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for investigational convalescent plasma for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to fight COVID-19.

August 19, 2020 - The City of Jacksonville in partnership with Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) announced a $1.5 million project to offer free COVID-19 testing for DCPS teachers and staff throughout the school year.

August 18, 2020 - Phase 2 of the Senior & Disabled Financial Assistance Program will begin on August 29 at 8 a.m. The City of Jacksonville will make a one-time payment of $300 to 3,000 senior citizens (72+ years old) and anyone receiving Social Security Disability benefits. 

July 29, 2020 - Gov. Ron Desantis signed Executive Order 20-180 which extends mortgage foreclosure and rent evictions until September 1, 2020.

July 20, 2020: The City of Jacksonville opened three new COVID-19 testing sites today. The sites are open Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:

• Oceanway Senior Center - 12215 Sago Avenue West
• Lane Wiley Senior Center - 6710 Wiley Road
• Leroy D. Clemons Senior Center - 55 N. Jackson Avenue

July 14, 2020: During today's virtual press conference, Mayor Curry announced that Jacksonville's three State of Florida run COVID-19 testing sites will remain open until Friday, July 17, 2020 at 6 p.m. To make an appointment at one of these sites visit DoINeedACovid19Test.com. The following testing sites have also been opened:

• Arlington (11751 McCormick Rd. - Jim Fortuna Senior Center) This walk-up site opened July 13, 2020 in partnership with Telescope Health. The site will operate Monday through Wednesday, weekly for the next 6 months, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Beaches (40 Atlantic Blvd. - former Kmart shopping center) This walk-up Telescope Health testing location will open July 16, 2020. The site will operate Thursday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the next 6 months.
• Mandarin Senior Center (3848 Hartley Rd.) The City of Jacksonville will open a testing site in partnership with Logistics Health, an OptumServe Company, on July 15, 2020. This site will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the next 6 months.

To view a full listing of testing sites, please visit jaxready.com/covid-19testing.

Duval County Public Schools released their reopening plan for the 2020-2021 school year.

July 8, 2020: Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-116, extending the State of Emergency for Florida for an additional 60 days. The Florida Department of Education Commissioner issued Emergency Order 2020-E0-06, ordering all brick and mortar schools to reopen at least five days per week for all students when they reopen in August.

July 6, 2020: 3 Federal COVID-19 testing sites, run by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, will open on Wednesday, July 8th for 8 days. Those sites are:

• ARLINGTON: Regency Square Mall 9501 Arlington Expressway 32225 - Open 8AM to 6PM
• NORTHSIDE: First Coast High School 590 Duval Station Road 32218 - Open 8AM to 6PM
• WESTSIDE: Frank H. Peterson Academies 7450 Wilson Boulevard 32210 - Open 8AM to 6PM

It is strongly encouraged that citizens wanting to get tested make an appointment at doineedacovid19test.com.

This is a free drive-through testing site with tests administered for the active COVID-19 virus available for anyone ages 5+ regardless of symptoms. The Florida Division of Emergency Management asks that your vehicle have windows that open and close and that you remain in your vehicle. There are no restroom facilities available. They also discourage citizens from showing up prior to the testing sites opening due to lack of places for cars to wait at some of the sites.

July 1, 2020: Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-159, extending the eviction and foreclosure moratorium through July 31, 2020.

June 29, 2020: Effective 5 p.m. June 29, 2020 the City of Jacksonville will be adopting a mandatory mask requirement for public & indoor locations, and in other situations where individuals cannot socially distance.

June 28, 2020: Governor Ron DeSantis announced $250 million in CARES Act funding for rental and mortgage assistance for Florida families that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 26, 2020: Effective June 26, 2020 at 11:15 a.m., the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is suspending on premises consumption of alcohol at bars statewide. View the official executive order from the Florida DBPR website.

June 24, 2020: The City of Jacksonville is still in Phase II of the governor’s safe, smart, step-by-step reopening plan, and numerous restrictions remain in effect for restaurants, bars, retail and other locations.

• Resaurants, bars & pubs can be open with 50% capacity indoors and unlimited outdoor seating with appropriate social distancing (6 ft.)
• Entertainment venues such as movie theatres, bowling alleys, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, and arcades can operate at 50% capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitation.
• And retail stores can operate at 100% capacity with continued social distancing and sanitation protocols. Same for gyms & fitness centers.

Effective immediately, City Code Enforcement will be monitoring businesses throughout Duval County to ensure they are following the guidelines above. Non-compliance of the state’s reopening guidelines of 50% capacity indoors could result in having a business, alcohol or food license revoked.

June 22, 2020: In a virtual news conference at 12:05 p.m. Mayor Lenny Curry and emergency management team leaders briefed and took questions from the media about the local response to the coronavirus. Mayor Curry stated that due to many businesses now requiring a negative COVID-19 test result to allow employees to come to work, and individuals who are not wearing masks or practicing social distancing, Jacksonville is experiencing a surge in numbers at testing facilities. Curry also shared that the City's hospitals are not experiencing a rise in COVID-19 admissions. As of this morning, there are 14 COVID-19 patients in Duval County Intensive Care Units (ICUs), and ICUs are currently only at 68% capacity.

June 16, 2020: In his virtual news conference at 11:30 a.m., Mayor Lenny Curry covered the following topics:

• COVID-19 Testing: Dr. Charles Moreland will lead local COVID-19 testing efforts as we increase testing capacity throughout our city, while Gov. DeSantis, as part of his efforts to protect our most vulnerable citizens, has teams throughout the state aggressively testing throughout assisted living facilities.
• Senior & Disabled Financial Asistance Program: The City of Jacksonville will launch the Senior and Disabled Financial Assistance Program on Saturday, June 20, at 8 a.m. to provide support to senior citizens (72 years or older) and anyone receiving Social Security Disability benefits. With this grant program, the City will make one-time payments of $300 to 3,300 qualifying seniors and disabled citizens. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to applicants who meet the conditions for eligibility. Those interested in participating in the program are strongly encouraged to create a MyJax account at myjax.custhelp.com (follow the link for the “Senior and Disabled Financial Assistance Program”) before applying; the same website and account will be used for the application process.  Citizens may also call 904-255-8888 for assistance with their application over the phone starting Saturday, June 20, at 8 a.m. While citizens may create a MyJax account immediately, the application process will not begin until Saturday, June 20, at 8 a.m. 
• JEA: Council Members Ronald B. Salem and Michael Boylan are working with the Curry administration to provide additional financial assistance to those in Duval County who face disconnection of utility services. 

• Mortgage, Rent & Utilities Program: As the City takes steps toward re-opening City government offices, the distribution location at the Ed Ball Building will be closing this Sunday, May 24. Those appointments that were scheduled at this location will be moved to the Main Library. If we haven’t already, appointment holders will be notified by our team via text, email or phone call. Both locations will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. 
• Vacation Rentals: Governor DeSantis and the Department of Business & Professional Regulation approved our plan to safely reopen vacation rentals in Duval County, with safety precautions, effective immediately. As part of reopening, vacation rentals must adhere to certain standard and guidelines that ensure proper social distancing, enhance sanitation requirements, and limit person-to-person contact.
• Memorial Day virtual ceremony: The Public Affairs Office and Military Affairs & Veterans Department have been working hard this week to put together a virtual Memorial Day Observance that we will broadcast on the City’s YouTube channel and social media accounts at 8 a.m. on Monday. It will feature remarks from local officials and military leadership, musical selections from the Jacksonville Voices, Navy Band Southeast, Jacksonville Pipes & Drums, and more.
• Camping at JaxParks: Hanna and Huguenot parks are taking reservations for camping. Both locations are already booked for this Memorial Day weekend, but are accepting reservations for other times moving forward. 
• Youth sports & activities: While these activities are not currently allowed under a Full Phase One, my team and I are continuing to work with Governor DeSantis and his team on this and other reopening efforts and hope to be able to get these activities going again soon.

May 20, 2020: In accordance with Governor Ron Desantis’ Executive Order 20-123 and the “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery” the State of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) approved the City of Jacksonville’s plan to resume the operation of vacation rentals in Duval County, effective immediately. As part of the City’s plan, vacation rentals must adhere to safety standards and guidelines. With the expansion of COVID-19 testing throughout Duval County, the City sponsored drive-thru testing site at the Prime Osborn Convention Center will discontinue operations today, May 20th. Public walk-up testing at the Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32208) and drive-thru testing at TIAA Bank Field Stadium (Lot J) continue to support the public. Visit Duval County COVID-19 Testing Sites for a full list of testing sites and additional information. 

May 18, 2020 - Mayor Curry announced during a press conference that the City is looking at curbside pickup and return options at Jacksonville Public Libraries becoming available on May 27, as well as opening some locations with 50% capacity by June 1. Those locations will be announced soon. By Monday, June 1, most City government offices will be open with safety measures in place. For example, the Duval County Tax Collector will open another branch location on Thursday of this week and another next week by appointment only. Florida has also officially moved to "Full Phase I." #2020-131 Executive Order re: Expanding Full Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery​



May 15, 2020 -  Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at Ascension St. Vincents in Jacksonville. A few of of the key highlights were announcements that gyms can now operate at 50% capacity (individuals must clean the equipment), museums and libraries can open at 50% capacity, and restaurants and retail can have 50% capacity indoors beginning May 18th. The Governor's presentation can be viewed online here: Plan for Florida's Recovery.

May 12, 2020 - Emergency Executive Proclamation 2020-001 was extended until 11:59 P.M. on May 31, 2020 and will continue in effect unless cancelled before that period of time has elapsed. This local state of emergency includes all of Duval County and the Consolidated Government (including the Beaches and Baldwin). Concurrent with this Proclamation, all existing Executive Orders issued pursuant to Emergency Executive Proclamation 2020-001 and Emergency Executive Proclamation 2020-002 to date have subsequently been rescinded.  The City of Jacksonville has recieved federal funding to stand-up COVID-19 testing sites throughout Jacksonville for a six-month period. Visit www.coj.net/COVID-19Testing for locations. 

May 11, 2020 - Hair salons, nail salons, and barbershops will now be able to start accepting customers with enhanced safety precautions in place. View the enhanced safety precautions here. The Duval County Tax Collector’s Office announced that the Hogan Branch will open to serve customers by appointment only on Wednesday, May 13th. All other locations remain closed at this time. More information here.

May 9, 2020 - Operations at the Kooker Park testing center have relocated to the Legends Center at 5130 Soutel Drive. For more info, visit coj.net/covid19testing.

May 8, 2020 - Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that hair salons, nail salons, and barbershops in Phase I counties will now be able to start accepting customers beginning Monday, May 11, with enhanced safety precautions in place. Mayor Lenny Curry announced that Duval County will follow in accordance with the Governor's announcement as a Phase I County. 

May 6, 2020 - Area Beaches are now fully open. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is open with safety requirements and certain operational changes in place.

May 2, 2020 - Governor DeSantis issued two Executive Orders with impacts to Duval County:

• Executive Order 20-111, which extends Executive Orders 20-87 and 20-91 until 12:01 AM May 4, 2020; and
• Executive Order 20-112, regarding the Governor’s plan for Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.
  • Phase I will begin Monday, May 4, with Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties excluded at this time.

The site will operate seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., pending severe weather. The site will conduct 200 tests per day and anyone who wants to be tested can be at this location.

Mayor Curry announced an additional $1,000 stimulus for Duval County residents who qualify. The City will provide additional information on how to apply early next week. City Council votes on this proposed legislation on Monday. Until approved, the City is unable to accept applications. 

• Healthcare professionals,
• First responders,
• National Guard members,
• Law enforcement,
• State or federal government employees,
• Airline crewmembers,
• Patients,
• Patients’ families,
• Journalists,
• Others responding to COVID-19,
• Displaced residents or visitors,
• Persons unable to return to their home due to COVID-19 impacts on travel,
• Persons who must vacate their home due to exigent circumstances, such as fire or flood,
• Persons utilizing hotels as transitional living arrangements,
• Persons sheltering in hotels due to domestic violence,
• Hotel employees, service providers, and contractors, or
• Individuals who, for any reason, are temporarily unable to reside in their home.

• On-site temperature of 99.6 or higher
• Patient MUST ALSO have respiratory symptoms
• First responders and healthcare workers who have direct contact with patients will also be tested, regardless of symptoms. Please bring work ID.

This site will operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for as long as supplies last. While a doctor’s order and appointment are not required at this location, clients will be evaluated by a medical professional on site. Patients who do not meet the criteria will not receive a test and will be sent home.

Those attempting to be tested should:

• Bring their own pen
• Photo Identification
• Refrain from taking any fever-reducing medicine four to six hours before testing
• Remain inside of vehicle at all times

A maximum of four people per car will be screened and tested; each person must be sitting at a functioning window. Additional passengers will be asked to move to the back of the line or return the following day.

As long lines are expected, please follow the directions of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office traffic officers.

• Drivers coming from the West side of town should use Bay Street.
• Drivers coming from the East side should use Gator Bowl Boulevard.

March 16, 2020 - Mayor Lenny Curry announced a new limit on all restaurants and bars in Jacksonville until further notice. Following these CDC recommendations, no more than 50 people will be permitted in an establishment at one time. Alcohol sales are also banned from midnight to 8 a.m. outside of grocery stores. This community mitigation strategy focuses on eliminating unnecessary social contact and slowing the transmission of COVID-19 to prevent healthcare infrastructure from being overwhelmed. Many places of business will be exempt from this limit so that they may carry on business as usual. This limit is specifically for social situations, shopping at the mall, eating out, and going to the movies, for example. 

As authorities continue to monitor the virus, citizens are reminded to take the necessary precautions that include: 

• washing hands frequently;
• maintaining a six-foot distance from people;
• refraining from shaking hands;
• not shopping at peak times, and taking advantage of delivery and pickup services;
• avoiding unnecessary travel;
• working remotely if possible; and
• avoiding gatherings of 50 or more people.

1. Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
2. If you feel sick, stay home.  Do not go to work.  Contact your medical provider.
3. If your children are sick, keep them at home.  Do not send them to school.  Contact your medical provider.
4. If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.  Do not go to work.  Do not go to school.  Contact your medical provider. 
5. If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
6. If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people. 
7. Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus:
   1. Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
   2. If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule.  You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
   3. Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
   4. Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
   5. Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
   6. Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
8. Practice good hygiene:
   1. Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
   2. Avoid touching your face.
   3. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
   4. Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
9.  * School operations can accelerate the spread of the coronavirus.  Governors of states with evidence of community transmission should close schools in affected and surrounding areas.  Governors should close schools in communities that are near areas of community transmission, even if those areas are in neighboring states.  In addition, state and local officials should close schools where coronavirus has been identified in the population associated with the school.  States and localities that close schools need to address childcare needs of critical responders, as well as the nutritional needs of children.

March 15, 2020 - The Florida Department of Health Announced 39 new cases of COVID-19, With three additional cases in Duval County. Mayor Lenny Curry shared news that Councilman Sam Newby tested positive for COVID-19. “Today I learned from Councilman Sam Newby that he was being treated at St. Vincent’s hospital and had been informed of a positive test result for COVID-19. Because Councilman Randy White visited CM Newby at the hospital within the last 48 hours, CM white is self isolating at home,” Curry wrote in a Tweet.

March 14, 2020 - The Florida Department of Health announced 25 new cases of COVID-19 in Florida and the death of a Florida resident in California.

March 13, 2020 - President Trump declared a national emergency for the coronavirus pandemic.

Governor DeSantis announced that components of the Florida National Guard would be mobilized to help with the COVID-19 response. 

Mayor Curry declared a state of emergency in Duval County in response to COVID-19 . 

Duval County Public Schools announced that they are extending spring break through March 22nd. Upon re-opening, all field trips and athletic events will be canceled. 

Additional cancellations were announced in Duval County including:

• The Duval County Clerk of Courts announces that Chief Justice Charles Canady has suspended all jury trials scheduled to begin between March 16, 2020 and March 27, 2020. Any citizen who has received a summons to appear for jury service on March 16th or March 23rd is asked not to come to the Courthouse as their jury service will be excused. For further information, jurors can reach the jury service hotline at (904) 255-2212 or visit duvalclerk.com/jury. If you have additional questions not answered on the website or hotline, you can reach the Jury Services department staff at (904)255-2087. 

• Honorable Scott B. Wilson, President of the Jacksonville City Council canceled all meetings of the Jacksonville City Council March 16, 2020 through April 5, 2020. 

• ​JSO is suspending all inmate visitation effective 10:00 p.m. Friday night, March 13, 2020. Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, video visitation will be implemented to allow remote inmate visitation. Persons who want to visit an inmate will need to create an account through www.gettingout.com. Video visitation times will vary by facility. Legal visits will not be impacted. 

• ​Mayor Charlie Latham, due to the COVID-19 virus, will be declaring a State of Emergency for the City of Jacksonville Beach, in coordination with the City of Jacksonville. As such, all public meetings, to include City Council Meetings and Briefings, and all other official city meetings, are canceled through March 31.

Mayor Curry held a press conference and provided the following major announcements:

• The Duval County Resident who tested positive was in a nursing home in the Town Center area and is in quarantine at a local hospital.

•  The 5 Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department personnel who took the person to the hospital are also in quarantine

• All events at COJ facilities like VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and the Daily's Place are canceled.

• All parks, all Jacksonville Public Library branches, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be closed indefinitely at the end of the day today.

March 12, 2020- Mayor Lenny Curry updated local media about prevention efforts in Duval County for COVID-19. He affirmed that the City is continuing to intensely monitor the situation and collaborate with area partners to make sure Jacksonville is ready to respond. He reminded Jacksonville citizens that teams have been meeting and planning since January and have the policies and plans in place to respond. To view the press briefing, see below.

The Florida Department of Health announced an additional 17 positive cases of COVID-19.

March 11, 2020 - World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a pandemic. 

The Florida Department of Health announced three new cases of COVID-19 in Florida.

Governor DeSantis placed limits on who can visit nursing homes and residential healthcare facilities . Facilities were directed to immediately review protocols including visitor screening to ensure precautions are in place to limit the introduction of COVID-19. Anyone who recently arrived from a foreign country, is exhibiting symptoms of the virus,that has been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, as well as anyone who recently traveled on a cruise or has been in an area deemed to have “community spread” of the virus is prohibited from visiting nursing and assisted living facilities. 

Attorney General Ashley Moody expanded items covered for the COVID-19 State of Emergency under Florida’s price gouging law. To see complete list of items visit the following link: http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/GPEY-BMKMPU/$file/Commodities+Covered+Under+COVID+SOE.pdf

March 10, 2020- The Florida Department of Health announced eight new positive cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Florida. Florida currently has a total of 21 cases of COVID-19.The department recommends all individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 who have recently traveled through Port Everglades to immediately contact their County Health Department or health care provider and self-isolate for 14 days. They  also recommends employees of Metro Cruise Services at Port Everglades with any association to these cases self-isolate at home.

Attorney General Ashley Moody activated the Florida Price Gouging Hotline in response to the current State of Emergency declaration. To see items covered for COVID-19 State of Emergency under Florida’s price gouging law visit the following link:  http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/GPEY-BMKMW4/$file/PG+Memo.pdf

March 9, 2020- Governor DeSantis issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19. To view the Executive Order visit the following link: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO-20-52.pdf

The Florida Department of Health reported an additional case of the virus in Volusia County. The agency also advised individuals to follow CDC’s new travel guidelines when traveling internationally. You can view the full advisory and updates at the following link: http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2020/03/030920-department-health-covid19-update.pr.html 

March 8, 2020- The Florida Department of Health is now reporting eighteen cases of COVID-19. The agency has also advised all individuals who traveled on a river cruise on the Nile River in Egypt from February 4th through 18th to self-isolate for fourteen days following their return. Several passengers who reside in Florida have recently tested positive for COVID-19.

The U.S.Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs issued a travel advisory for U.S. citizens regarding cruise ship travel. The  department states, U.S. citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship. CDC notes increased risk of infection of COVID-19 in a cruise ship environment. Read all current travel advisories at the following link: 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/novel-coronavirus-hubei-province--china.html

March 3, 2020 - Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) has taken multiple actions to combat the spread of COVID-19. These actions address precautions upon re-entry to school after travel, new student registrations, school cleaning, school attendance, and student and staff travel. Learn more about these actions at the DCPS website linked here: https://dcps.duvalschools.org/coronavirus
 

March 1, 2020 - Governor DeSantis directed the State Health Officer and Surgeon General, Dr. Scott Rivkees, to declare a public health emergency in the State of Florida, pursuant to his authority in section 381.003 15, Florida Statutes. https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-51.pdf

March 1, 2020 - The Florida Department of Health is reporting two presumptive positive COVID-19 cases: one adult resident of Hillsborough County and one adult resident of Manatee County on Florida's west coast. Both people are isolated and being appropriately cared for. Presumptive means they've tested positive but health officials are awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control.      

February 28, 2020 - City of Jacksonville officials met with local, state, and federal agencies as well as local first responders to conduct an executive briefing concerning COVID-19. Agencies demonstrated their willingness to work together to monitor and respond to the developing situation.