Letter to the Editor / Dear Monroe County:

At Monroe County, nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our community and our employees. We continue to closely monitor the impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and with more cases appearing closer to home and concern growing daily throughout the Florida Keys, we want to provide an update on the conditions, our operations, as well as share information that can help you navigate through the current uncertainty.

What We Know

  • This is a fluid situation that is constantly changing.
  • There are no confirmed cases at this time.
  • We are testing in Monroe County, and so far, the tests have come back negative.
  • For the majority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus is thought to be low.
  • This is a really big deal, and we are treating it that way.
  • We are working with all available verified information to make the best decisions we can with what we have. As we learn more about schools, healthcare, testing, confirmed cases, or anything else we can share, we will share it.
  • Doctors and hospitals know what to do if they suspect a case and are prepared to handle it and are prepared for an influx of cases if it happens.
  • Monroe County is constantly updating www.monroecountyem.com/covid-19 with the most current information we have available.

In the weeks ahead, we know that you will look toward Monroe County for answers to support your decisions regarding your family and business, and we will be here. Monroe County and Monroe County Emergency Management continue to partner and monitor the potential impacts of COVID-19 with the County’s lead agency the Florida Department of Health Monroe County and with our community partners and the municipalities. Please also save www.cdc.gov and www.flhealth.gov as reliable resources.

Monroe County always strives to maintain the highest standards when it comes to cleaning and maintaining county-owned properties and buildings, we are taking it even further by increasing the frequency of our cleanings, especially in high traffic areas.

  • We are ensuring employees follow frequent hand washing protocols and are providing additional hand sanitizing stations.
  • We are increasing the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces especially at the airport and playgrounds and other public areas including meeting rooms, public restrooms, stairwells, and elevators.
  • Our employees have also been asked to voluntarily practice social distancing and if an employee is feeling sick, they are asked to refrain from returning to work until they are free of symptoms, or to seek medical attention if they have flu-like symptoms for more than a couple days.

Monroe County has plans in place across all its departments and locations to continue continuity of services in the event it is needed, including the possible implementation of working remotely and virtually holding non-essential meetings. We have also asked staff to refrain from any non-essential travel, if possible.

I have done five hurricanes, an oil spill, and several other public health emergencies in my 30 years of public service and this is by the far the most challenging because of the its uncertainty. Despite the uncertainty, our purpose remains the same, Monroe County is committed to its to creating a better life every day for everyone in the Florida Keys.

Sincerely,

Roman Gastesi

Monroe County Administrator

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]