Brooksville- The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County (DOH-Hernando)advises the community that Hernando County is well equipped to handle the potential demand for testing of COVID-19. If an individual suspects that he or she needs testing for COVID-19, they are urged to contact their medical provider or the Department of Health.

If he or she meets the CDC determined criteria for testing of COVID-19 a test will be administered.

For general questions on COVID-19 a State Call Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1 (866) 779-6121.

We appreciate the desire to understand how many Floridians in each community have been tested, received a negative test or are under public health monitoring as a result of suspicion they may have COVID-19 or has been in contact with someone who have COVID-19.

Balancing the privacy of the individuals being tested and monitored and the confidentiality of the epidemiological investigations with the responsibility to Floridians to disclose information to protect the public is a vital role of the Florida Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH strives to protect the identity of individuals tested or affected by COVID-19, while also ensuring information necessary for the public health is available.

As such, in order to protect personally identifiable health information (PHI) of Floridians, the Florida Department of Health is unable to break down the number of individuals who have received a negative test, have pending test results or are under public health monitoring by community.

Floridians can view the aggregate state level information at www.FLHealth.gov/COVID-19. This information is updated daily.

Additionally, the Florida Department of Health is encouraging all Floridians to be aware. Floridians should practice good hand hygiene and wash their hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, use a tissue when they sneeze or cough and immediately dispose of it in the trash and stay home if they are sick.”

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.