COVID-19 Updates

GUIDANCE FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)

Everyone is encouraged to continue to follow the latest guidelines released from the CDC in May 2021 that identify safety recommendations for those fully vaccinated and those not vaccinated. The CDC states that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick, and people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.

In general, people are considered fully vaccinated:

• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you don’t meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.

These recommendations can help you make decisions about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated. They are not intended for healthcare settings.

Please remember that businesses may still require the use of face coverings.

FEMA Assistance for COVID-19-related Death Funeral Costs

In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized on March 23, 2021, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
• If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.
• An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
• The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
• This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
• Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:

• An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the U. S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
• Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

More information regarding this assistance can be found at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov.

Stop the Spread of Germs

Residents and visitors in Osceola County are asked to stay diligent with their personal health. There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.

More information can be found on the CDC's webpage.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) FACT SHEETS

What you need to know:

• About COVID-19 (English)
• Acerca del COVID-19 (Spanish)

Symptoms and What To Do If You Are Sick

Wondering if you should you be tested for Coronavirus (COVID-19)? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer a Coronavirus Self-Checker online, which is a simple guide to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. Find the information at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html.

This online checker does not replace the judgment of healthcare professionals or the performance of any clinical assessment. Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness, and the symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Residents who suspect that they are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately and isolate themselves from others.

Residents who suspect that they are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Those residents should restrict activities outside of their home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

More information can be found on the CDC's webpage.