Hendry County, FL

 HENDRY COUNTY DECLARES LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY 

click to view declaration.

A local state of emergency is a situation in which a local government is empowered to perform actions or impose policies that it would normally not be permitted to undertake when disaster is imminent and severe enough to require state or federal aid to supplement local resources. A government can declare such a state during a natural disaster, medical pandemics/epidemics, civil unrest, or armed conflict. Such declarations alert citizens of the emergency and orders government agencies to implement emergency plans to help prevent or alleviate damages, loss, hardship or suffering. Through those activities taken to protect its citizens It also enables the local government to immediately obtain resources available to rescue, evacuate, shelter or provide essential commodities (ie., fuel, food etc.) and make  reimbursement easier to claim from the federal government supporting all of the local initiatives.

 Should I Get Tested For COVID-19 and how should I get tested? Florida Department of Health has guidance. Learn more.

• If your travel history has not put you at risk, take note: If you have been in close contact with someone who may have or had COVID-19, and you have symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, or you have an underlying medical condition like diabetes or heart disease, or a history of cancer.

• Call, do not visit, your County Health Department (CHD) or health care provider. It’s IMPORTANT to call ahead before visiting your CHD or health care provider. Offices must take proper steps to avoid further spread of COVID-19 when a concerned patient arrives for a medical appointment.

• How testing is done. A person who is tested will have three specimens taken: oral, nasal and saliva. Samples will be given to the CHD and from there, shipped or delivered to the closest laboratory. Test results are available within 24–48 hours.  

Stay Informed on COVID-19:
In coordination with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Hendry County, the County recommends the following sources to assist with community mitigation and preparedness. While health experts are working around the clock to learn more about COVID-19, you can also stay informed as new information becomes available.

The COVID Call Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reached at 1.866.779.6121 or by emailing COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Take to Stay Prepared Now is the time to be ready and reflect on your personal preparedness and plans. At this time, experts do not recommend social distancing or isolating yourself unless you are sick or suspect transmission. To remain well, practice good hygiene measures like washing your hands and using hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of 60 percent or greater. Also, it is not too late in the season to receive a flu vaccine, as recommended by the CDC. Getting sick back-to-back (from flu and another respiratory illness such as COVID-19) can be severely challenging. Mitigate your risk now.

According to the CDC, the most effective ways to prevent transmission of not only COVID-19 but any respiratory illness is to avoid being exposed by washing your hands and cleaning regularly used surfaces (more info can be found here).

• For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.

• For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.

• These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

For local businesses, the CDC also recommends the following guidance to prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses in non-healthcare settings. These guidelines discuss sick leave, doctor’s notes, telecommuting and other considerations.

Also, if you are a business owner, please consider posting proper handwashing posters and signs in your bathroom locations to encourage good hygiene.

HENDRY COUNTY -The Emergency Alert Program will alert you when emergencies and other important community news happens.  By signing up for the Hendry County Emergency Alert Program it will enable us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.  You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. 

		SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS HERE		DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - Information
				Boiled Water Advisory-FAQ's Carbon Monoxide-Storm Information Carbon Monoxide-FAQ's Food Risk Flood-Septic Information Food Service at Disasters Prevent Mosquito-borne Illness Proper Sewage Clean-up Storm Sewage Problems

Hendry County Emergency Management
4425 West State Road 80
LaBelle, Florida 33935 
863-674-5400