FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Health is responding to COVID-19. In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the virus, the Department is issuing regular updates as information becomes available.  The Department will be sending this press release update every morning, seven days per week.
International Travel Advisory
The Florida Department of Health is advising all individuals who have traveled internationally to follow the new CDC guidelines, summarized below:
- Level 3: Mandatory 14-day self-isolation and practice social distancing upon return to the United States. Social distancing includes avoiding going out in public and close personal interactions. If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your county health department or health care provider.
- Level 2 and Cruises: Monitor your health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States. If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your county health department or health care provider.
- For more information regarding current CDC travel advisories related to COVID-19, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Nile Cruise Advisory
The Florida Department of Health is advising all individuals who traveled on a river cruise on the Nile River in Egypt in February 2020 to self-isolate for 14 days following their date of return to the United States. Several passengers in the United States recently developed symptoms and have been confirmed to be infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including two positive cases in Florida.
COVID-19 Cases
| Florida Residents Diagnosed in Florida | ||||
| County | Age | Sex | Known History of International Travel | |
| 1 | Manatee | 63 | Male | No |
| 2 | Hillsborough | 29 | Female | Yes |
| 3 | Santa Rosa | 71 | Male | Yes |
| 4 | Broward | 75 | Male | No |
| 5 | Broward | 65 | Male | No |
| 6 | Lee | 77 | Female | Yes |
| 7 | Lee | 77 | Male | Yes |
| 8 | Charlotte | 54 | Female | Yes |
| 9 | Okaloosa | 61 | Female | Yes |
| 10 | Volusia | 66 | Female | Yes |
| 11 | Manatee | 81 | Female | Yes |
| 12 | Broward | 67 | Male | No |
COVID-19 Testing Results
- 18 Florida cases (17 Florida residents)
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- 12 diagnosed in Florida
- 5 diagnosed and isolated in another state
- 1 confirmed positive non-Florida resident isolated in Florida.
- 115 tests in state results pending
- 140 negatives
- 1,104 people monitored to date
- 302 of 1,104 are currently being monitored
People who have tested positive for COVID-19 will remain in isolation until they test negative.
COVID Public Website and Call Center
Please visit the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.
For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-(866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours a day. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
