On March 9, Governor DeSantis declared a State of Emergency in Florida to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Since then, schools have closed, public spaces have emptied, and restaurants have pivoted to take-out and delivery operations only. Families and small businesses are feeling the squeeze.
Many essential personnel are still reporting to work: first responders, health care workers, food service teams, and, crucially, the early learning providers who care for their children.
We have compiled the following list of resources for Floridians navigating a changing society in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic. If you are a parent navigating a loss of health insurance or looking for home schooling resources, we have resources below for you. If you are a child care provider looking for the latest guidance from the CDC or the Florida Department of Education, we have linked the best destinations for you below.
The Florida Department of Health also has a COVID-19 Call Center Available 24/7 at +1 (866) 779–6121 or you can email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
SNAP Maximum Monthly Allotment: All Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients’ benefit amounts will be increased to the maximum monthly allotment based on household size.
SNAP and TANF Work Requirements Waived: The Department of Children and Families (DCF) will waive work requirements for individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Online Purchasing Pilot for SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can purchase groceries online with the use of an EBT card. SNAP participants are automatically eligible to participate in this program and do not need to apply.
From The Washington Post: “While traditional Halloween celebrations last year were discouraged by federal health agencies, this year Americans can look forward to enjoying the spooky fun of trick-or-treating, said Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease doctor.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From The New York Times: “Vaccinated kids aged 5 to 11 showed evidence of protection against the virus, the company said. The data must be reviewed by the F.D.A. before children can be inoculated.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From POP Sugar: “There is a lot of data coming out about prolonged symptoms, and the good news is it seems that it’s not as frequent as what we see with adults.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From WESH: “The latest data shows that children now make up more than a quarter of new weekly COVID-19 cases.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.
From Disability Scoop: “The situation is especially fraught since students with disabilities are among those who have struggled most with remote education during the pandemic.” Read the full article here. View more articles here.