Milton, FL - As we head into the 4th of July holiday weekend, and family and friends gather to celebrate, the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County (DOH-Santa Rosa) would like to remind everyone to practice recommended precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

WEARING FACE COVERINGS

In accordance with the health advisory issued June 20 by State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees, all individuals should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible, unless any of the following is applicable: 

• A child is under two years of age.
• An individual has one or more medical conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing a face covering.
• An individual is obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.
• An individual works in a profession where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession.
• An individual is engaged in outdoor work or recreation with appropriate social distancing in place. 

ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS 

• Practice "social distancing". Maintain a distance of six feet from others in any social situation.  
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, frequently with an appropriate cleaner. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website maintains a list of products determined to be effective against the virus that causes COVID-19 at  https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19

• Refrain from participating in social or recreational gatherings of more than 50 people.
• For gatherings of fewer than 50 people, wear a face mask and maintain a distance of at least six feet apart.
• If you are experiencing any symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing or fever, remain at home and contact your health care provider.  

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS 

These recommendations are particularly important for individuals over the age of 65 and individuals of any age with health conditions that put them at higher risk of complications from the disease. These include: 

• Chronic lung disease
• Moderate to severe asthma
• Serious heart conditions
• Anything that compromises the immune system, such as poorly controlled HIV/AIDS, treatment for cancer, bone marrow or organ transplant
• Diabetes
• Renal failure
• Liver disease 

MASKS AVAILABLE 

DOH-Santa Rosa has masks available for individuals or businesses that need them. Masks can be picked up at either the Milton location at 5527 Stewart Street, or the Midway location at 5840 Gulf Breeze Parkway. 

Businesses requesting masks to provide to employees or customers may call 850-564-2307 to request a supply. 

COVID-19 TESTING 

COVID-19 testing is being offered on a "drive-in" basis at the Milton Community Center and the DOH-Santa Rosa Midway location with no appointment or prescreening required. Individuals requesting testing may drive to either location during testing hours and will be directed by a staff member to a testing area where they will receive their test without leaving their vehicle.  

Milton Community Center
5629 Byrom Street
Wednesdays
8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. 

Midway Location
5840 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Thursdays
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

For more information on testing, contact the DOH-Santa Rosa COVID-19 Call Center at 850-564-2307.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov