St. Johns County declares local state of emergency, activates emergency operations center in response to COVID-19

Posted

In response to the COVID-19 disease, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency today, March 17.

The declaration allows the county to access the resources necessary to prepare for, and respond to, the potential impacts of COVID-19 disease within the community. In addition, St. Johns County elevated the Emergency Operations Center with a level two partial activation to assist in the response.  

 The declaration also allows St. Johns County to take actions necessary to effectively respond to emergency conditions and mitigate disaster effects in an expedited manner through the acquisition of equipment, the securing of contracts, and qualification for FEMA reimbursement. The Board of County Commissioners, St. Johns County Administration, and Emergency Management Staff are responding to the development of COVID-19 within the United States, the state of Florida, and St. Johns County, following recommended CDC guidelines, and preparing accordingly. 

 In addition, the county is actively communicating and coordinating with all key partners, including the Florida Department of Health as the lead agency, Flagler Health+, the St. Johns County School District, St. Johns County Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, the City of St. Augustine and the City of St. Augustine Beach.

St. Johns County has a comprehensive emergency management plan in place and is confident in local first responders and the medical community's ability to respond to the virus. It is recommended that all residents and visitors follow CDC infection prevention guidelines including social distancing, washing hands often, avoiding contact with sick people, cleaning high-touch surfaces and staying home when sick.

 For more information, visit www.cdc.gov or www.floridahealth.gov or call (866) 779-6121, or email covid-19@flhealth.gov. In addition, the St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center can be contacted between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. at (904) 824-5550.