FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Officials in St. Lucie County held a news conference Tuesday afternoon related to the coronavirus after declaring a state of emergency earlier in the day.
St. Lucie County’s Emergency Management staff and other government officials addressed steps being taken regarding COVID-19. There are currently no cases of coronavirus in St. Lucie County.
This event will also stream live here.
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At this point, despite the governor’s restrictions on beach crowds, St. Lucie County said they have no plans to close any beaches.
County administrator Howard Tipton says there is still plenty of business activity happening, and no food shortages in the county or state.
“The trucks are still coming to grocery stores and restocking and replenishing. We are still seeing fuel deliveries to the gas stations. All of those things are critical. Medical supplies are coming to hospitals and doctors offices,” said Tipton.
School superintendent Wayne Gent said they are prepared to transition online learning if kids do not go back to school March 30.
Fire District Chief Nate Spera are reminding residents to be truthful with dispatchers if they fill sick and feel they may have COVID-19, so his first responders can take the proper precautions.
Spera added they should be the last line of defense when it comes to your health.
St. Lucie County’s Emergency Management staff opened the Public Information Hotline to help residents answer general questions about local government efforts relating to coronavirus. That number is 772-460-HELP (4357).
The county's emergency operations center is at partial Level 2 activation. The public information lines will be operational weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A state of emergency was declared across the U.S. and Florida last week.
On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said all bars and nightclubs in Florida will close for the next 30 days starting at 5 p.m.
.@StLucieGOV enacted local state of emergency today. Still no cases as of noon today in SLC. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/Xndc5YMWkY
— Jon Shainman (@JonShainman) March 17, 2020