Latest information on the coronavirus (COVID-19)

August 10, 2020

The City of DeLand continues to monitor the situation regarding the coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19. We will continue to update our website and our social media pages regarding important information about COVID-19 as it pertains to the City of DeLand.

City of DeLand Facebook Page

City of DeLand Twitter Page

COVID-19 has been reported in Volusia County and elsewhere in the state by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health. It is important that we do our part of protect ourselves and those around us:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home when you are sick.

For frequently asked questions from the Florida Department of Health, please visit: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

In an effort to be transparent, the City of DeLand has been providing daily updates since March as cases are reported by the Florida Department of Health. We have compiled this information using publicly available data to show trends in Covid-19 cases in our community, county and the state of Florida.

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Updated: 1:30 p.m. Monday, August 10.

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Important Links

May 15 update:

Free drive-thru and walk-up testing for COVID-19 will be made available to residents beginning Thursday, May 21.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 21 through Saturday, May 23 (or while supplies last) outside Spring Hill Park, 971 South Thompson Avenue, anyone will be able to receive a nasal swab COVID-19 test. The test is free and people do not need to have symptoms to be tested.

Residents utilizing the drive-thru testing will need to travel south on South Thompson Avenue from West Beresford Avenue and will be given a roadside test by the park. Walk-up testing will be done on the grounds of Spring Hill Park.

To get through the line faster residents should pre-register. Call 386-274-0500 and select # for coronavirus information. The registration call center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

It will take about 7 days to receive results and tests will only provide information on whether the person is infected with COVID-19 at the time of the test. The Department of Health will call the telephone number given at registration to provide results of the test.

The testing site was created through a partnership between the City of DeLand, Volusia County government and the Florida Department of Health.

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April 30 update:

Governor DeSantis announces Phase 1 reopening

On Wednesday, April 29, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order to begin a Phase 1 reopening of the State of Florida beginning on Monday, May 4. Here are links to the Executive Order, his presentation as well as Frequently Asked Questions:

April 27 update:

Community Assistance Conversation Panel set for Wednesday

As individuals and businesses continue to deal with the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of DeLand will lead a panel discussion with community and business leaders to answer questions on how residents may seek assistance as well as other issues.

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, the city will host the virtual discussion to provide residents, entrepreneurs and small business owners with information on resources available to them including re-employment assistance, the Paycheck Protection Program, Small Business Administration disaster loans and more.

Panelists include:

Michael Waltz, U.S.Representative, Florida 6th District

W. Ben Flowers Jr., President and CEO of MainStreet Community Bank

Ryan James, CEO of Surety Bank

Wayne Carter, Executive Director,Main Street DeLand Association;

Janet Wilson, Executive Director, DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce

Georgia Turner, Executive Director, West Volusia Tourism Authority

Helga Van Eckert, Economic Development Director for Volusia County Government

Heather Shubirg, Executive Vice President for Team Volusia EDO

Nick Conte, Economic Development Manager, City of DeLand

The meeting will be streamed live on the city’s Facebook page and shared on Youtube. Comments and questions will be monitored during the discussion but if individuals or business owners have questions they’d like answered please send an email beforehand. Questions maybe emailed ahead of time to delandpio@gmail.com

Future City Commission meeting procedures finalized

As Florida moves toward an eventual reopening, the city of DeLand will be implementing new procedures for its City Commission meetings with anticipation that social distancing guidelines will remain in place.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several items that have been on hold which require City Commission approval and a public hearing to consider them.

Beginning May 4, commission meetings will continue to be administered on Zoom, however, the commission chambers at City Hall will be opened to 10 members of the public at a time to allow for public comment. Members of the City Commission will join the meeting remotely via Zoom.

If more than 10 members of the public are present, citizens will take turns sitting socially distanced in the commission chambers as their items of interest on the agenda are heard. Members of the public will not be able to participate in the meetings remotely, but they will be able to listen and watch the proceedings via live stream.

Alternatively, public comment maybe submitted remotely via a web form that will be distributed to the City Commission daily, up until 5 p.m. the day of the meeting. Any comments sent to the Commission after 5 p.m. will be delivered the next day.

May 4, 2020 City Commission Meeting – Public Hearings

Property

Action Needed

Recommendation

2700 South Woodland Boulevard

Annexation, Change of Land Use, Change of Zoning

Second Reading will be heard May 4th

South Amelia & Euclid

Change of Land Use, Change of Zoning

Second Reading will be heard May 4th

Greens Dairy

Annexation, Change of Land Use, Change of Zoning

Second Reading will be heard May 4th

Cresswind DeLand

Change of Zoning

First Reading continued to June 1st

April 13 update - Family Health Source to offer drive-up COVID-19 screening/testing in DeLand, Daytona Beach and Deltona

In efforts to increase the availability of COVID-19 testing in Volusia County, Northeast Florida Health Service, Inc., dba Family Health Source, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), will offer three screening/testing sites.

Walk-up only - 1205 S. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand

And drive-thru testing at:

960 S. Williamson Blvd - Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club,

1200 Deltona Blvd- Deltona Plaza

All tests started at 8:00 am. Monday, April 13, 2020.

The COVID-19 screening/ testing is available to anyone, insured, or uninsured, who meets the criteria for testing, as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A doctor's order/referral is not required for testing. No one will be denied services for the screening/testing regardless of their ability to pay or current insurance coverage, including Medicaid or Medicare.

Please utilize the Family Health Source direct COVID-19/ Tele-visit call line at (386) 327-6045 with any questions, as we are here to assist the community in any way that we can.

"HRSA-funded health centers are part of the backbone of our nation's health care system, serving 1 in 12 people nationwide," said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. "Increasingly, people are turning to health centers for the first line of defense in combating emergency public health priorities like the novel coronavirus. Health centers will put these resources to immediate use to respond to emerging and evolving local needs and continue to deliver high-quality primary health care services to their patients."

Health centers deliver care to the nation's most vulnerable individuals and families, including people experiencing homelessness, agricultural workers, residents of public housing, and our nation's veterans. Led by patient-majority boards, FQHC health centers provide affordable, accessible, and quality primary health care to over 28 million people a year, regardless of their ability to pay.

Please find additional HRSA- COVID-19 information at https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/04/08/hhs-awards-billion-to-health-centers-in-historic-

covid19-response.html

April 10 update - New utility billing hours, shut offs suspended through May

The city’s utility billing hours will be modified until further notice while under emergency orders for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning Monday, April 13, utility billing customer service representatives will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.Customer service may be reached at 386-626-7051. The after hours emergency line will still be available if needed at 386-626-7203.

Additionally, all water shutoffs, delinquent fees and late fees have been suspended through May 31. We ask that residents pay what they can so they won’t face larger bills in the future.

Safer At Home Executive Order issued by Governor Ron DeSantis



Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order effective Wednesday, April 1, that calls for residents to be “Safer At Home” by doing the following:

Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition (such as chronic lung disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised status, cancer, diabetes, severe obesity, renal failure and liver disease) shall stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

In concert with the efforts of President Trump and the White House Corona virus Task Force to fight COVID-19, and based on guidance provided by Florida Surgeon General and State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Rivkees, all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.

This is a link to a guide of businesses open during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like your business added, please send an email to delandpio@gmail.com or Nick Conte at conten@deland.org with pertinent information to be added to the document.

Small Business Assistance

As part of COVID19 response and recovery, three stimulus packages (outlined below) were the result the CARES Stimulus Bill, approved in Congress on Friday, March 27th 2020

http://www.reliantvalue.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CARES-Act-PPP-Summary.pdf

SBA’s disaster relief program, EDIL – This program requires no lender involvement. A businesses can apply directly through the SBA. Click here SBA.gov State of Florida’s Disaster Bridge Loan Program – No lender involvement required, a short-term loan only. Businesses can apply directly through link | Application attached | *Targeted for small businesses between 2-100 employees SBA’s 7a Loan – The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and most additional CARES Stimulus package enhancements will fall under the guidance of an SBA 7a loan. This requires an SBA lender to handle the transaction. Note: Since the CARES stimulus bill was just approved, the SBA has not yet provided guidance on how to implement the program/enhancements.

In addition, many of our local financial institutions are creating offers and services related to COVID-19 assistance and recovery. Please check our city page in the coming days for updates. Our partners at the SBA have our area businesses to complete the survey below. It will assist the State of Florida in determining the resources needed to assist employers and small businesses affected by COVID-19.

Take the Survey

City offices restricted to appointment only

To prevent further spread of COVID-19, access to all city offices will be restricted to appointment only beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

Appointments may be made by the public in certain extenuating circumstances when business cannot be conducted online or telephonically. Members of the public are asked to please contact the department over the phone or email in advance prior to coming to a city facility. Phone numbers for Utility Billing, Utility Account Setup, and Permitting are listed below. We are still conducting business and our Customer Service Representatives are here to assist you with your needs.

Utility Billing

• Call: Utility Billing hotline at (386) 626-7051

• Online payments: https://webutilities.deland.org

•In person payment: Drop boxes located outside City Hall

- For drop box, it is recommended that customers pay with cashier check, money order, or check

Community Development (Planning, Building, Permitting)

Online Permitting: https://aca3/accela.com/deland/Default.aspx

Planning – Carole Thomas – thomasc@deland.org (386)626-7016

Building – Dustin Kalmbach – kalmbachd@deland.org (386)626-7010

Economic Development – Nick Conte conten@deland.org (386)626-7021

Code Enforcement – Heydee Quinones quinonesh@deland.org (386)626-7037

For other matters, visit our city webpage at www.deland.org for a full listing of telephone numbers and email addresses.

Police Department

For all non-emergency incidents, the DeLand Police Department has launched an Online Incident Reporting System.

By utilizing Online Reporting, you can...

• Contact the DeLand Police Department

• Maintain social distance and help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19/coronavirus

• Receive an automated e-mail receipt and reference number

• Be contacted by a police officer regarding your submission

To submit an online report, https://volusia.crimewatchfl.com/delandpd/42614/report

If you are reporting an emergency or a crime in progress do not use this online web form and DIAL 911 immediately.

Fire Department

The DeLand Fire Department is restricting public access to its facilities. If residents need assistance of a firefighter for a medical emergency, please call 911 or if you come to a fire station in the city, please ring the doorbell, stand clear of the door and someone will assist you.

All City playgrounds closed until further notice

To prevent further spread of COVID-19, the City of DeLand is closing all playgrounds until further notice.

Effective immediately, playgrounds that will be closed include:

- Freedom Playground at Bill Dreggors Park, 230 North Stone Street

- Candlelight Oaks Playground, 813 Longview Avenue

- Chisholm Playground, 520 South Clara Avenue

- Playground and Skate Park at Earl Brown Park, 600 block of South Alabama Avenue

- Playground at Tra Thomas Park, 200 block of South Frankfort Avenue

- Playground at Highland Park, Corner of South Stone and Highland Street

- Playground at Jackson Lane Memorial Park, 720 South Frankfort Avenue

Additionally, all lighted sports facilities such as basketball and tennis courts will be restricted to daytime use only. We also highly discourage people from gathering in groups at those facilities in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Other amenities such as walking paths will remain open, however, residents should continue to practice social distancing and avoid gathering in large groups.

Event cancellations and postponements

Shamrocks & Shenanigans

Wildflower & Garden Festival

All senior activities at city facilities

Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival - Cancelled

DeLand Outdoor Art Festival - Cancelled

The DeLand Mayor’s Golf Tournament - Cancelled

Parachutes for Patriots - Cancelled

Downtown DeLand Classic Car Cruise-In - Cancelled

The Majestics Car Show – Cancelled

DeLandapalooza – Postponed

Firefighter’s Annual Pub Crawl - Postponed

Keep DeLand Beautiful Day - Postponed

Community Shred Day – Postponed

Vivid Life Church Easter Egg Hunt – Cancelled

City of DeLand Easter Egg Hunt – Cancelled

The Annual DeLand Tree Giveaway – Postponed

The Water Festival – Cancelled

City Action Plan in wake of COVID-19

The city is suspending all city event permits until for at least eight weeks. This is in an effort to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC cancel or postpone all City events or those events on public property for the next eight weeks.

All events at the Sanborn and Chisholm Center have been suspended.

Utility shut-offs will be suspended until at least April 30. We are asking residents to pay what they can in the meantime to avoid having large bills later this year.

The city is asking residents who are paying their bills to try to do so online or over the phone to limit potential exposure to the virus.

The city is recommending restaurants adhere to CDC and state guidelines to prevent large groups of people from gathering. Several restaurants in our area have adopted to-go ordering options.

All youth activities have been suspended.

The city’s adult softball league has been suspended.

undefined All work-related travel has been suspended.

Curbside Pickup Program for Downtown DeLand

In an effort to support Downtown DeLand businesses, the City of DeLand in partnership with MainStreet DeLand Association will be implementing a temporary curbside service program.

As community members, restaurants and businesses across the state adapt to restrictions in place to ward off the spread of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, the curbside program will help retail shops and restaurants in Downtown DeLand maintain business while also conforming to social distancing guidelines and minimizing people’s exposure to the virus.

“We understand our businesses are going to struggle during this uncertain time,” Mayor Bob Apgar said. “The city is committed to doing whatever we can to help them. While this program focuses on the downtown area, I encourage our residents to continue supporting all of our city’s businesses in the weeks and months ahead. The curbside program was an idea suggested by a local business owner. The city is willing to consider any other community ideas that may help our businesses.”

Signs will be put in place by the end of the week designating 14 parallel parking spots on Woodland Boulevard between Church Street and Howry Avenue as curbside pickup for restaurants and businesses. Four designated parallel parking spots will be located in the 100 block of East and West Rich Avenue and three parallel parking spots in the 100 block of East and West Indiana Avenue

While the business model will vary, patrons will be able to order ahead, pay over the phone or in person and then pickup their order or have it delivered to their car. We ask that people adhere to the five minute pickup window for these spots.

In the coming days, the city will also be working with its community partners to provide a list of businesses in operation, though the situation is evolving. People should check with individual businesses to ensure they are in operation.

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Frequently Ask Questions regarding testing for COVID-19

A lot of people have had questions about testing for COVID-19. Volusia County and its cities have consulted with health officials and worked together to provide accurate information regarding testing for coronavirus. We will update the information as it changes.

March 17 update

(DeLand, FL) – DeLand Mayor Bob Apgar on Monday declared a state of emergency as the city takes preventative measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the community.

“COVID-19 could potentially be something unlike any of us has ever faced,” said Mayor Apgar. “I urge all of our residents to avoid large crowds and be diligent regarding your personal hygiene. Our collective efforts will help mitigate the spread of the virus within the City of DeLand and Volusia County. As you plan your day’s activities, remember when in doubt,don’t go out.”

Residents are advised to adhere to guidelines set forth by the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those measures include washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time; avoid crowds of 10 or more for the next two weeks and staying home from work when you are sick.

The City Commission approved last night a resolution granting the City Manager the authority to cancel, if necessary,all city meetings other than City Commission meetings. The City Commission also approved a resolution granting the Mayor the authority to cancel city commission meetings altogether or delay certain agenda items while the emergency declaration is in effect .

Additionally, the city is taking extra steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

The city is suspending all city event permits until for at least eight weeks. This is in an effort to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC cancel or postpone all City events or those events on public property for the next eight weeks.

Utility shut-offs will be suspended until at least April 30. We are asking residents to pay what they can in the meantime to avoid having large bills later this year.

The city is asking residents who are paying their bills to try to do so online or over the phone to limit potential exposure to the virus.

The city is recommending restaurants adhere to CDC and state guidelines to prevent large groups of people from gathering. Several restaurants in our area have adopted to-go ordering options. The city is working on designating to-go order pick up parking spots to assist restaurants in the downtown district. An announcement will be made when those plans are finalized.

All youth activities have been suspended.

The city’s adult softball league has been suspended.

Playgrounds remain open but signs have been posted for people to wash their hands and use at their own risk.

All employee-related travel has been suspended.

The following events/meetings have been canceled or postponed.

March 23 meeting to discuss the old Volusia County jail site and the pending agreement with Deltran –

Postponed

Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival - Cancelled

DeLand Outdoor Art Festival - Cancelled

The DeLand Mayor’s Golf Tournament - Cancelled

Parachutes for Patriots - Cancelled

Downtown DeLand Classic Car Cruise-In - Cancelled

The Majestics Car Show – Cancelled

DeLandapalooza – Postponed

Firefighter’s Annual Pub Crawl - Postponed

Keep DeLand Beautiful Day - Postponed

Community Shred Day – Postponed

Vivid Life Church Easter Egg Hunt – Cancelled

City of DeLand Easter Egg Hunt – Cancelled

The Annual DeLand Tree Giveaway – Postponed

The Water Festival – Cancelled

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March 12 update

City of DeLand taking preventative measures for COVID-19

(DeLand, FL) – The City of DeLand is taking proactive measures to keep its employees and the public safe from potential exposure to the coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19. We are taking these preventative measures to protect our at-risk population at this point in time.

The city was made aware Wednesday night that a parishioner at a local church recently tested positive for a travel-related case of COVID-19. All indications are that everyone who came in close contact with this individual has been notified through Department of Health contact-tracing and there is no evidence of community spread of the virus. The city is following guidance from the Governor’s Office, Florida Department of Health and Centers of Disease Control Prevention and using an abundance of caution to minimize potential exposure to employees and residents that may come in contact with the virus.

Here are steps the City of DeLand is taking effective immediately:

The city is canceling Shamrocks & Shenanigans, which had been scheduled for Monday, March 16. We will announce if other events are canceled.

No presentations such as Super Star Students of the Month will be made at City Commission meetings in the near future.

The city is suspending all activities and events that are generally attended by elderly residents at the Sanborn Activity & Event Center. Youth related events/activities have not been canceled at this point in time.

Hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes have been made available in several locations throughout the city frequented by residents including City Hall, the Sanborn Activity and Event Center, Chisholm Community Center and the Leigh Matusick Airport Management Center.

High contact surfaces are being routinely cleaned throughout the business day in multiple city facilities frequented by residents.

The DeLand Police Department is conducting training through the DeLand Fire Department on how to protect themselves from infectious diseases.

The City of DeLand will be implementing a sick leave policy for all employees, which will in turn limit potential exposure to the public. Employees displaying flu-like symptoms will be made to stay home and will be allowed to return to work once they are better. If they test positive for COVID-19 they will be allowed back once they test negative for the virus.

All departments are developing operational plans to keep mission critical services running should we have a significant number of employees affected by the virus.

The fire department will make contact with all Assisted Living Facilities to ensure they are made aware of the Governor’s directive limiting visitation.

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