As part of Lake County’s commitment to public health and safety, the County is taking steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On February 24, 2020, the County formed a Task Force of stakeholders to monitor COVID-19 and make recommendations for preventing the spread of the virus.
To receive COVID-19 alerts on your mobile device, text COVIDUPDATE to 888777.
Florida's COVID-19
Data and Surveillance Dashboard
Florida Department of Health, Division of Disease Control and Health Protection has provided a great resource for Floridians. Find county-specific information on Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor immediately. If you have trouble breathing or other concerning symptoms, call 911 for immediate help. If you do not have a doctor, call 352-742-4830 for testing guidance.
Free COVID-19 Testing Administered by Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) is offering free COVID-19 testing to residents and non-residents, including children, at several locations throughout Lake County. No testing criteria is required, and no appointment is necessary.
Testing is on a first-come, first-served basis, and it is recommended to call the Lake County Department of Health hotline prior to visiting a testing site to ensure that testing is still available for your selected location and day. The hotline is (352) 742-4830.
Testing at the following locations will be available starting at 9 a.m. and will continue on a first-come, first-served basis.
TESTING SCHEDULE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
DOH-Lake Clermont WIC
560 W. DeSoto Street, Clermont Monday - Friday
Beginning at 9 a.m. while test kits are available.
If you have questions, please call the Florida Department of Health hotline in Lake County at (352) 742-4830. The hotline is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Modnay through Friday. Additionally, the 24/7 COVID-19 Florida state call center is available at 1-866-779-6121.
Additional COVID-19 and Antibody Testing Administered by Adult Medicine of Lake County
Adult Medicine of Lake County is offering testing at the following locations on the specified days:
Lake Square Mall - 10401-015 US Highway 441 South, Leesburg
- Tuesday - Saturday
- Drive-thru testing: 7 a.m. - Noon
- Testing continues inside from Noon - 7 p.m.
- Testing is located near the JCPenney.
- No symptoms required, no appointment necessary.
- Nasal swab and rapid testing done on all days; antibody blood test only on Thursdays. Each test is $20.
State Testing
State Regional Testing Sites
The state's regional COVID-19 testing site is located at the Orange County Convention Center and tests on a first come, first served basis from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Testing is free for residents and non-residents aged 18 and older. No symptoms are required and testing is administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Orange County Convention Center (North Concourse parking lot)
5980 Destination Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32819.
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free State-Managed Pop-Up Testing Sites
State-managed testing sites are now open at the following locations in Tavares and Leesburg. Testing is free for residents and non-residents aged 18 and older. No symptoms are required and testing is administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Home Depot (parking lot)
10825 U.S. Hwy 441, Leesburg
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. **This site will end operation at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25.
Private Provider
If you decide to get tested through a private provider, please confirm that they are using FDA approved tests.
SHIP Rental Assistance
The Lake County Department of Housing and Human Services offers information on SHIP rental assistance. Residents can email SHIP@lakecountyfl.gov to receive an application and a secure link for uploading their forms and supporting documents. Residents can also call 352-742-6530, fax 352-742-6505 or come by the office, located at 2008 Classique Lane in Tavares. More details here.
Mortgage Assistance
Banks are taking actions to assist customers, but those actions vary by bank. An alphabetical list of banks and their publicly announced steps of action can be viewed here: American Banking Association website.
It is not a complete list; however, the ABA will continue to update it as they receive additional information from banks across the nation.
Starting June 2, 2020, meetings will be held in person with limited occupancy for social distancing. Members of the public are invited to attend in person or join the meeting virtually via Zoom with a computer or smart device. Attendees may also call into the meeting using the information provided below.
Comments can be submitted in advance for the Board members by using the Public Comment forms below for each meeting. Comments will be shared with the Board members prior to the meeting if submitted before 5 p.m. on the day before. Comments submitted after 5 p.m. will be provided to Board members after the meeting.
Members of the public who want to comment during the meeting can use the links and phone numbers below to join the meeting.
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your primary healthcare provider or family doctor right away. They will advise you on steps to take to get tested. If you do not have a family healthcare provider, call the Florida Department of Health hotline in Lake County at (352) 742-4830.
In an effort to prevent the spread of germs related to COVID-19, the County has taken measures to follow state and national guidelines on social distancing. Residents are encouraged to utilize services online where possible.
Lake County Libraries
The Helen Lehmann Memorial Library in Montverde will close on June 26 and remain closed until further notice. For local library information and available services, visit http://mylakelibrary.org/libraries
Lake County Government buildings, including the Administration Building will resume in-person services on June 1 with proper social distncing and sanitizing measures in place. Services continue to be provided through email, by phone and online.
Housing and indigent burial services remain available via a self-service station in the lobby of 2008 Classique Lane in Tavares or by calling (352) 742-6540.
The Veterans Services office will be open to public access beginning June 1 by appointment only. Federal Veterans Affairs offices remain closed, which may cause some processing delays. Services are available by phone at (352) 742-6585 and email at veteraninfo@lakecountyfl.gov.
All services are curbside and drive-thru as the shelter lobby has limited visitation.
Though not required, it's recommended to make an appointment for faster service. Call the shelter at (352) 343-9688 for questions or to make an appointment.
Potential adopters or fosters can select a few pets online and call ahead to meet them outside of the shelter or do a virtual meet and greet over Facetime or video text.
Adoption counseling appointments can be scheduled online.
Pet delivery is still available in Lake County.
The shelter is a drop off location for donated pet food. Pet food received will be distributed to local food pantries. For more information on assistance programs, click here.
The Florida Department of Health advises anyone who has returned from any international travel within the last 14 days and believes that they may be sick to immediately call their healthcare provider or family doctor.
For additional information regarding travel, including individuals entering the state of Florida from the tri-state area (Connecticuit, New Jersey and New York), visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/
Ride LakeXpress is fully operational. Social trips for the Lake County Connection paratransit service will be discontinued starting at 5 p.m. on March 20. All other trips are continuing.
For information regarding Lake County's transit system, please visit www.ridelakexpress.com.
Notice of Fare Collection
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/01/2020
Effective June 1st, 2020 Lake County Transit will resume fare collection on all LakeXpress routes and the Lake County Connection paratransit service.
This includes the sales of LakeXpress Daily and Monthly passes only. In order to limit contact, Transfers and 10 Ride passes will not be issued at this time.
Lake County Transit will still be using PPE’s to collect fares and passes.
The Veterans Services office will be open to public access beginning June 1 by appointment only. Federal Veterans Affairs offices remain closed, which may cause some processing delays. Services are available by phone at (352) 742-6585 and email at veteraninfo@lakecountyfl.gov.
The Lake County Veterans Service Office provides information and essential forms online at bit.ly/LC-VeteransServices. For information about compensation and pension benefits, veterans and their families may contact the Department of Veterans Affairs via phone at (800) 827-1000.
Veterans Crisis Line
If you are a Veteran in crisis – or you’re concerned about one – free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Veterans Crisis Line is available by phone, text, or chat:
If they have a printer: Get their email so we can email them the forms
If they cannot print or access forms through VA website, they can request paper copies from the 1-800-827-1000. They will also help them do changes such as dependency/direct deposit changes
Compensation:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Pension:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
It's normal to feel stress and worry during a crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website contains helpful information and resources for coping.
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends the following:
Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home if you are sick.
Distance yourself from others to help prevent the spread of germs. This should be at a distance of at least 6 feet.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and immediately wash your hands.
Disinfect surfaces daily.
Wear a face mask if you are sick or when going out in public.
If you are sick, or if you believe you may have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, the CDC and Florida Department of Health advise the following steps:
Call your primary care provider or family doctor and follow their directions. If you do not have a doctor, please call the Florida Department of Health hotline in Lake County at (352) 742-4830.
Stay home except to access medical care, and avoid other people in your home.
Wear a facemask around other people.
Wash your hands often.
Do not share food or personal items.
Disinfect surfaces daily.
Monitor your symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can occur within 2 – 14 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Other Resources:
Life Stream Behavioral Services
Local Hotline. 24/7.
352-408-6625 or 1-866-355-9394
Did you lose health insurance from your job? Covering Central Florida can help. Find out more here (opens PDF). Phone: 877-564-5031 Online: coveringcfl.net
Grants will be made in the form of lump sum distributions to the recipient, or as determined by the USBG National Charity Foundation’s Board of Directors based on the needs of the particular recipient. Each grant recipient will be required to provide USBG National Charity Foundation with documentation that the grant was used in a manner consistent with the terms of the grant. Apply Here
Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation COVID-19 Crisis Relief Fund
As restaurants across the country cut hours, suspend business and close for good, many restaurant workers will be faced with long-term loss of income. For months to come, they will need help accessing government benefits and mental health services, paying their rent and feeding their families.
Immediately direct money to organizations leading on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community.
To bolster our impact investing budget to provide zero-interest loans to businesses to maintain payroll during closure or re-open once this crisis has passed.
To establish a relief fund for individual workers facing economic hardships or health crises as a direct result of COVID-19.
During these uncertain and challenging times many people are struggling to cover their basic, but most important expenses; rent and mortgage. Banks are taking actions to assist customers, but those actions vary by bank. An alphabetical list of banks and their publicly announced steps of action can be viewed here: American Banking Association website.
It is not a complete list; however, the ABA will continue to update it as they receive additional information from banks across the nation.
Second HarvestFood Bank helps keep meals on the table for seniors, families and kids in our community. Call 407-295-1066.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Reemployment Assistance (also called reemployment assistance insurance) provides temporary wage replacement benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.
If you need assistance, contact the Reemployment Assistance Contact Center at 1-800-204-2418 during the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday. Visit FloridaJobs.org for additional information.
Various positions are available at stores and distributions centers throughout Florida, as well as in Georgia and Alabama. For more information and to apply, visit www.publix.jobs.
Amazon
Amazon is hiring full and part-time positions in the U.S. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.amazon.jobs/en.
Employ Florida
Employ Florida is a free online job seeker and employer resource dedicated to matching talent and opportunity here in the State of Florida. Find a job, create a resume and more here: https://www.employflorida.com/vosnet/Default.aspx
Other Opportunities
Many delivery businesses are hiring. Visit employment sites for Uber Eats, Grubhub, Instacart, Shipt, Amazon, and Amazon Flex Delivery for more info.
If you are a medical professional having difficulty administering a test or need assistance, please call the Florida Department of Health Hotline at (352) 742-4830.
For updates related to ACCESS, child welfare, child care, mental health services and adult protective services, please visit the DCF COVID-19 update website.
At the request of Governor DeSantis, and in accordance with the federal Families First Coronavirus Act, the Department of Children and Families will waive work requirements for individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
DCF and the Department of Economic Opportunity have partnered to apply good cause statewide for TANF and SNAP recipients normally subject to participate in mandatory work requirements as a condition to receive program benefits effective immediately. The temporary relief of mandatory work requirements will alleviate any undue burden during this public health emergency on individuals normally required to participate in these programs with no disruptions to the receipt of cash and/or food assistance benefits.
To check the status of your benefits, report changes, receive information faster by opting in to receive electronic notifications, and upload documents 24 hours a day 7 days a week, log into your MyACCESS account here: https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/
If you have questions about your benefits and the temporary relief of work requirements during this time, please contact the Department of Children and Families customer center at 850-300-4DCF or visit the website at https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/
The food drive begins on Saturday, March 28 and will remain active until further notice. The hours for making donations will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at the following locations:
North Lake County: First Baptist Church of Umatilla, 550 Hatfield Drive, Umatilla
Central Lake County: Lake County Jail, 551 West Main Street, Tavares (west end)
South Lake County: Real Life Church of Clermont, 1501 Steves Road, Clermont
Items being sought include non-perishable foods such as peanut butter, canned meats, canned meals, snack bars, boxed cereal, canned fruits and canned vegetables, etc. As these items are collected, they will be delivered to local food pantries throughout the county for the immediate distribution to families in need.
What is L.A.S.E.R.?
Lake Support and Emergency Recovery (LASER) is a non-profit, 501c3 organization. LASER offers assistance for Lake County residents that cannot be adequately fulfilled by public agencies. LASER is an extremely important partner in the recovery process. Its case management team provides individualized attention to our residents recovering from disasters.
The CDC and the Florida Department of Health have the latest resources on COVID-19, including prevention tips.
For regular updates from Lake County, including public health tips and information, please follow the Lake County Emergency Management Facebook and Twitter pages.
In the hope to provide a single solution for Lake County residents to get the latest news and updates from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners concerning COVID-19 news and updates relating to Lake County, FL, we are providing the solutions below.
For those wanting a plug and play solution, click the code below to copy it. From there you can paste this into your website to provide news and updates from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners.
For those wanting a more flexible solution, click the code below to copy it. From there you can paste this into your website to provide news and updates from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners.
You are here: 
Florida's COVID-
icon (upper-right corner of the video) to view the COVID-19 playlist containing the latest video updates from Lake County.
