As you read in this week’s editor’s note, things changed a lot in Tampa Bay over the last week. The bad news is that the social distancing, forced closures, layoffs and general uneasiness over a global coronavirus pandemic that’s made its way to Florida will get worse. But one of the best things to bring to a battle with fear and anxiety is information. If you have a cell phone, text “TAMPAREADY” or “TAMPALISTA” to 888-77 for updates from the City of Tampa. St. Petersburg residents can sign up for text alerts by texting “SUNSHINE” to 57838. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay is keeping readers up to date on cltampa.com, but not everyone has access to the internet, so here, limited by one page, are the most important things we know as of the morning of Wednesday, March 18.
The basics
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causes COVID-19, a serious illness that is more dangerous than the flu (although it hasn’t killed more people than the flu.) The World Health Organization’s latest situation report says that there are 179,112 confirmed cases of the coronavirus globally, which have led to 7,426 deaths. As of late Tuesday night, the number of confirmed cases in Florida is at 216—up from 160 on Monday night. That figure includes Sunshine State residents diagnosed and staying in other states as well as visitors tested and isolated within the state. Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco have a combined 13 cases, but the number of confirmed cases is misleading due to a coronavirus test shortage.
Do I have the coronavirus?
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure; they include fever, cough and breathing trouble. Right now 80% of people with COVID-10 develop only mild symptoms, but some people, usually those with other medical complications like heart disease, develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia. About 15% need to be hospitalized, and about 5% of cases are critical; roughly half of the people with critical cases of the illness die from it. It’s important to note that it’s too early to stick hard numbers on the widespread effects of the virus since the pandemic is so new.
How can I protect myself and others from the coronavirus?
Stay home if you can; social distancing is key to slowing the spread, and many workplaces have encouraged employees to work from home. Wash your hands with soap frequently; soap destroys the virus. Avoid touching your face; seriously, stop. Keep your distance from sick people and regularly clean frequently used surfaces.
If you think you’ve been exposed and show symptoms of COVID-19...
Call a doctor or the Florida Department of Health (866-779-6121) immediately (don’t go to the office or hospital just yet.) Separate yourself from other people, and wear a facemask if you can. If you didn’t get the memo above, make the following practices religion: cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands with soap and/or use hand sanitizer often and clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day. Lastly, monitor your symptoms. Your healthcare professional and county health department will determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
What if I’m uninsured?
The Kaiser Family Foundation—a non-profit focusing on national health issues—points out that “uninsured individuals who contract COVID-19 and need medical care will likely receive large medical bills, even if they have low incomes and are unable to pay,” but adds that some people qualify for a hospital’s charity care program (not all hospitals are required to offer charity care programs.) Foregoing care because of costs can have devastating consequences. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives on March 13 is in the hands of the Republican-controlled Senate. For now, it has a provision that would give states an option to expand Medicaid coverage to uninsured individuals and provide coverage for COVID-19 diagnosis and testing with 100% federal financing. Bottom line: call a doctor whether you’re insured or not.
Can I prepare anything for my family?
Yes, but don’t hoard. Having a 30-day supply of groceries, household supplies and prescriptions is a good idea; think of your prep like a bigger hurricane kit. Double check for soap, toiletries, laundry detergent, toilet paper and diapers, if you have small children, too. If you have the means, a well-stocked pantry with pasta, rice, broths, beans, canned fish, hard cheese, peanut butter, olive oil, garlic, root veggies and cured meats is nice. If your family is food or financially insecure, Feeding Tampa Bay (813-254-1190) and Metropolitan Ministries (813-209-1000) are ready to help.
Is everything canceled?
Pretty much. Over the last week, major events—including music festivals, March Madness, the NHL season and Wrestlemania—were suspended or canceled outright. Local theaters went dark, and even the casino cut back on its offerings (on Tuesday, Rep. Jackie Toledo calls on Seminole Hard Rock Tampa to close to protect “most vulnerable populations”). On March 17, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered all bars and nightclubs closed for 30 days; he told restaurants to operate at half-capacity, too. Both Tampa and St. Petersburg have instituted emergency measures and have even banned any private or public gathering of more than 50 people. Venues that provide essential goods and services—think grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, gas stations, banks and shelters—are exempt. The point is: stay away from people and shelter at the house (take your dog for a walk, of course.) Staying inside isn’t about you; it’s about keeping the coronavirus at bay and giving our healthcare system a chance at helping people.
But won’t local businesses suffer?
Yes, and some will never recover—but there are many ways to support Tampa Bay's food and drink scene while social distancing (see more on p. 31.) On Monday, Governor DeSantis announced the opening of a $50 million disaster bridge loan. Tampa business owners can text “TAMPABIZ” to 888-777 to get alerts from Mayor Castor’s team.
What else?
Well, a lot. There’s gonna be so much to unpack, and the situation changes hourly. So as long as Creative Loafing Tampa Bay is on newsstands, we’ll do all we can to keep you informed. No matter what, visit cltampa.com frequently if you can. Above all, have an extraordinary amount of patience and empathy for others (and yourself) as we navigate—and hopefully persevere through—the pandemic.
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