All News Press Releases Media Center Media Gallery Directory OCFL.net Public Health & Safety Community & Services Business Español 04 October, 2021 Orange County Government Public Information Officer Email: PIO@ocfl.net Share Coronavirus Updates Latest news is displayed first. For resources and information on the Coronavirus, visit www.ocfl.net/Coronavirus. To watch any past news conference, visit the OrangeTV YouTube playlist. 1 Update: News Conference | November 4, 2021 | 4:30 p.m. Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo. Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 11/4/21 COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS As of Wednesday, November 3, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 3.15 percent. Additional County statistics include: CDC level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 76 percent Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 66 percent Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 233,010 Total deaths in Orange County: 2,230 Although the County’s positivity rate continues to trend downwards, Orange County continues to recommend that residents follow CDC health and safety guidelines, including frequent hand washing. COVID-19 VACCINES FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-11 On Tuesday, the CDC provided final approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to children ages 5-11 years old. Parents are encouraged to speak with their pediatrician about whether receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is appropriate for their children, as well as if the vaccine is available through their office. Orange County Government’s Health Services Department continues to work with the Florida Department of Health to plan its operations to provide vaccines for children ages 5-11 years old. Once details are finalized, Orange County will provide media and residents with the updated information. Other vaccination option for this age group include: Orange County Public Schools: The Florida Department of Health and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) have partnered together to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years old. For more information, visit the OCPS website. Federal Retail Pharmacies: Parents of children ages 5-11 years old can contact their nearest Federal Retail Pharmacy location to check if vaccines for this age group are being administered. The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program is a collaboration between the federal government and national pharmacy partners to provide COVID-19 vaccines to residents. BARNETT PARK VACCINES AND TESTING – GENERAL POPULATION Orange County Government’s Health Services Department continues to provide community COVID-19 services at Barnett Park, located at 4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808. Vaccines: Free, drive-thru COVID-19 vaccinations are available 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Vaccine availability for initial series of shots, as well as boosters, includes Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. A vaccination record card/form is required for individuals receiving second doses or booster shots. For more vaccine information, visit ocfl.net/vaccine. Testing: Free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing is available 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Residents interested in receiving a COVID-19 test are recommended to arrive early to Orange County’s free drive-thru testing sites, as sites may close early due to reaching its daily capacity or severe afternoon weather. For more testing information, visit ocfl.net/testing. #IGOTMYSHOT – UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES The #IGotMyShot Mobile Vaccination Trailer continues to visit convenient community locations across the County. For more information about the #IGotMyShot trailer or a list of upcoming locations visit ocfl.net/IGotMyShot. EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE Residents who are rent stressed or at risk of being evicted may be able to find assistance through the Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program. To better assist those in need, the program has updated the total amount it will be able to provide residents seeking rental assistance from $20,000 to $30,000. Additionally, the program will now provide funds for up to 3 months of future rent, instead of 1 month. This means, the program may help eligible residents pay 12 months of past due rent and 3 month of future rent, up to a total of $30,000. To date, more than $12.3 million have been distributed to keep 2,132 families in their homes – and Orange County has more to provide. Eligible residents include those living in unincorporated Orange County, Apopka, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Lake Buena Vista, Maitland, Oakland, Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden and Winter Park. The program is not available for those living within the direct city limits of the City of Orlando, which has its own program for its residents. Residents can visit ocfl.net/RentalAssistance to review program details and to check if their address is eligible. 2 Update: News Conference | October 27, 2021 | 11:00 a.m. Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo. Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 10/27/21 COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS As of Wednesday, October 27, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 3.51 percent. Additional County statistics include: CDC level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL (down from high) Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 75 percent Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 66 percent Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 232,110 Total deaths in Orange County: 2,178 It is important to note that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate has been below 5 percent for 17 consecutive days. This is the fifth day the positivity rate is at 4% or below. UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES Effective Sunday, November 1, 2021 in addition to the COVID-19 vaccines, Orange County Health Services will continue to offer all three COVID -19 vaccination boosters to our community at its Barnett Park vaccination site. Boosters are available through the FREE drive thru site daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday, with resources to accommodate up to 2000 vaccinations per day. It is important to note that Orange County Health Services does not ask for an individual’s social security number or proof of residency to receive a vaccine. Barnett Park 4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808 Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle For more vaccine information, or for additional sites, visit ocfl.net/VaccineSites. COVID-19 TESTING Effective November 1, 2021, the Barnett Park testing site will be the County’s only testing site. Residents who are interested in receiving a COVID-19 test are recommended to arrive early to Orange County’s free drive-thru testing sites, as sites may close early due to reaching its daily capacity or severe afternoon weather. Barnett Park 4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808 Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle Econ Soccer Complex – This site will close effective November 1, 2021 8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807 Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., or until capacity is reached No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle For more testing information, visit ocfl.net/Testing. EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE UPDATE Orange County Government’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program continues to provide relief to households that are struggling to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Wednesday, October 25, 2021, $11.9+ million have been distributed to keep 2,214 families in their homes. For more information or to review program details, visit ocfl.net/RentalAssistance. 3 Update: News Conference | October 21, 2021 | 4:30 p.m. Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo. Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 10/21/21 COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS As of Wednesday, October 20, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 4.09 percent. Additional County statistics include: CDC level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL (down from high) Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 75 percent Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 66 percent Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 231,363 Total deaths in Orange County: 2,147 It is important to note that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate has been below 5 percent for 10 consecutive days. UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES Orange County Health Services Department continues to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccines at Barnett Park. It is important to know that Orange County Health Services does not ask for an individual’s social security number or proof of residency to receive a vaccine. Barnett Park 4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808 Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle COVID-19 vaccines are available to eligible individuals seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted. For more vaccine information, or for additional sites, visit ocfl.net/VaccineSites. COVID-19 TESTING Residents who are interested in receiving a COVID-19 test are recommended to arrive early to Orange County’s free drive-thru testing sites, as sites may close early due to reaching its daily capacity or severe afternoon weather. Barnett Park 4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808 Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle Econ Soccer Complex 8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807 Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., or until capacity is reached No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle COVID-19 testing will take place seven days a week at both sites unless otherwise noted. For more testing information, visit ocfl.net/Testing. 4 Update: News Conference | October 14, 2021 | 4:30 p.m. Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo. Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 10/14/21 COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS As of Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 5.37 percent. Additional County statistics include: Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 74 percent Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 65 percent Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 230,300 Total deaths in Orange County: 2,126 COVID-19 VACCINE AT BARNETT PARK As a reminder, Orange County Health Services has transitioned its free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site from Camping World Stadium to Barnett Park. Vaccinations will take place seven days a week at Barnett Park unless otherwise noted. The site will administer the following vaccines: Pfizer – first dose, second dose, booster for eligible individuals Moderna – second dose only Johnson & Johnson – single dose To date, Orange County Government has administered more than 1.7 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the community. For more COVID-19 vaccine information, visit ocfl.net/Vaccines. #IGOTMYSHOT – UPCOMING VACCINATION OPPORTUNITIES The #IGotMyShot Mobile Vaccination Trailer continues to visit convenient community locations across the County. For a list of upcoming locations, visit ocfl.net/IGotMyShot. COVID-19 TESTING Residents who are interested in receiving a COVID-19 test are recommended to arrive early to Orange County’s free drive-thru testing sites, as sites may close early due to reaching its daily capacity or severe afternoon weather. Testing will take place seven days a week at both sites unless otherwise noted. Barnett Park 4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808 Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle Econ Soccer Complex 8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807 Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., or until capacity is reached No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle To date, Orange County Government has administered more than 460,000 COVID-19 tests throughout the community. For more COVID-19 testing information, visit ocfl.net/Testing. 5 Update: News Conference | October 11, 2021 | 11:00 a.m. Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo. Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 10/11/21 COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS As of Sunday, October 10, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 6.04 percent. Additional County statistics include: CDC level of community transmission: HIGH Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 74 percent Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 65 percent Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 229,673 Total deaths in Orange County: 2,090 COVID-19 VACCINE AT BARNETT PARK As a reminder, Orange County Health Services has transitioned its free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site from Camping World Stadium to Barnett Park. Vaccinations will take place seven days a week at Barnett Park unless otherwise noted. The site will administer the following vaccines: Pfizer – first dose, second dose, booster for eligible individuals Moderna – second dose only Johnson & Johnson – single dose For more vaccine information, visit ocfl.net/Vaccines. COVID-19 TESTING Orange County Health Services continues to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at two mass-testing sites across the County — Barnett Park and Econ Soccer Complex. Barnett Park 4801 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808 Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle Econ Soccer Complex 8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807 Open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., or until capacity is reached No walk-ups, only four (4) persons per vehicle Testing will take place seven days a week at both sites unless otherwise noted. For additional COVID-19 testing locations, please visit ocfl.net/Testing. TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX COLLECTIONS Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond announced that Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for August, 2021 were $16,462,100, a 184.2 percent increase compared to August, 2020. Additional statistics include: Month-over-month, August 2021 collections were lower than July, 2021 collections by $8.2 million and also lower than August 2019 collections by $3.5 million. For more TDT information, visit the Office of the Comptroller’s website to read its news release. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT This month, Orange County residents have several ways to stay involved with their local government. The following events are free and open to all residents to participate: Redistricting Meeting Monday, October 11, 2021 at 6 p.m. Meetings on Orange County’s 2021 Redistricting process are scheduled now until the end of the year. Residents are highly encouraged to participate in readjusting the population between County commission districts to ensure fair and equal representation. To learn more or to find a meeting near you, visit ocfl.net/redistricting. Virtual Community Conference Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 10 a.m. Orange County’s annual Community Conference provides residents an opportunity to learn about innovative ways to improve neighborhoods by connecting residents and community leaders with their local government. To view the conference agenda or to register, visit ocfl.net/CommunityConference. COVID-19 WASTEWATER MONITORING Orange County Government’s Utilities Department continues its participation in the National Wastewater Surveillance System. The program monitors wastewater from water reclamation facilities to analyze the concentration and spread of the coronavirus. Below is concentration information from October 7. The Eastern Water Reclamation Facility (EWRF) decreased to 147,160 South Water Reclamation Facility (SWRF) decreased to 301,016 Northwest Water Reclamation Facility (NWRF) increased slightly to 189,266 All three reclamation facilities decreased dramatically over this time last month. The Northwest facility decreased by 78% over September 6. The South Water facility decreased by 47% over September 6. The Eastern Water facility decreased by 80% over September 6. The results for two of the three service areas are lower than the previous sample results and continue to show a sustained downward trend in our service areas. Also, these results are starting to resemble the lower concentrations seen in May and June. The Lambda and Mu variants were not detected in any of the three (3) service areas. 6 Update: News Conference | October 4, 2021 | 11:00 a.m. Watch the conference on the YouTube Video Stream or on Vimeo. Key Takeaways: Orange County News Conference – 10/4/21 COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS As of Sunday, October 3, 2021, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 7.67 percent. Additional County statistics include: CDC level of community transmission: HIGH Eligible residents (12+) who have one vaccine dose: 74 percent Eligible residents (12+) who have completed their vaccination series: 64 percent Total positive cases for Orange County residents: 228,156 Total deaths in Orange County: 2,045 COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATES: VACCINES MOVE TO BARNETT PARK Beginning, Saturday, October 9, 2021, Orange County Health Services will move its free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site from Camping World Stadium to Barnett Park. Staff at Barnett Park will administer the following vaccines: Pfizer – first dose, second dose, booster for eligible individuals Moderna – second dose only Johnson & Johnson – single dose Vaccines will be available at Camping World Stadium until 5 p.m. on Friday, October 8, 2021, then begin at Barnett Park at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Vaccinations will take place seven days a week at Barnett Park unless otherwise noted. For more vaccine information, visit ocfl.net/Vaccines. COVID-19 TESTING UPDATES: CLARCONA SITE CLOSURE On Sunday, October 10, 2021, at 5 p.m., Orange County Health Services will permanently close its free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at the former Clarcona Elementary. It is important to know that Orange County Health Services will continue providing free drive-thru testing at Barnett Park and Econ Soccer Complex. Testing will take place seven days a week at both sites unless otherwise noted. For additional COVID-19 testing locations, please visit ocfl.net/Testing. COVID-19 WASTEWATER MONITORING Orange County Government’s Utilities Department continues its participation in the National Wastewater Surveillance System. The program monitors wastewater from water reclamation facilities to analyze the concentration and spread of the coronavirus. Below is concentration information from September 30. South Water Reclamation Facility: decreased to 321,384 East Water Reclamation Facility: increased to 789,993 Northwest Water Reclamation Facility: decreased to 349,457 Current samples were included in beta testing for four additional mutations and two new variants of the Coronavirus. Based on that testing, the Lambda and Mu variants were not detected in any of our service areas. Overall, Orange County Utilities is seeing a sustained downward trend in our service areas. 7 Update: Previous Updates Please find all previous updates on the previous Coronavirus Updates page. About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels. Previous Release | Next Release Back To Top Mayor Demings 2021 Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive Ready for Lift Off Great Oaks Village Holiday Kickoff Begins: Annual Fundraiser for Foster Children Growing a Business? 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