Alachua County Public Schools has updated its COVID-19 protocols based on the community’s latest virus figures and recommendations from local medical experts.
For the rest of the school year, masks will not be required outdoors on campus for students or adults. Social distancing will be encouraged. Masks still will be required inside and on school buses, except for those with an exemption.
Beginning with the school system’s summer programs, masks will be optional both indoors and outside “unless there is a significant spike in cases or other health/safety issues,” according to information released by the Alachua County Public Schools district Friday. Temperature checks will not be required.
“Everybody in Alachua County who wants a vaccine can get one,” said county health administrator Paul Myers.
Information on all county walk-up clinics can be found online at alachua.floridahealth.gov/events/index.html.
Retailers including Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Winn-Dixie also are scheduling vaccine appointments in Alachua County, which can be made online.
Veterans can schedule vaccinations through the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System by calling 548-6000, ext. 103755.
All adults 18 years old and older are eligible for vaccines, while 16- and 17-year-olds can receive a Pfizer vaccine. A parent or guardian must sign the Pfizer consent form and be present at the appointment.
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Alachua County reports 4 COVID-19 deaths Saturday
Alachua County reported four coronavirus-related deaths in Saturday’s update from the state health department, the highest single-day total so far this month. Two of the residents are affiliated with long-term care.
Overall virus-related deaths remain much lower in the local area than during the winter holiday peak they reached earlier this year. Twelve COVID-19 deaths have been reported so far in April, compared to 25 last month.
The county s virus fatalities now include 267 residents, 80 of whom were affiliated with long-term care. The residents include at least 111 men and 107 women.
Alachua County on Saturday also added 57 new virus cases, for a total of 24,441. Daily case totals so far this month are higher than March’s numbers. The two-week positivity rate for new cases is 3.1%, a slight increase since last week.
Walk up clinics continue; 61 COVID-19 cases added Thursday
Three walk-up coronavirus vaccine clinics will take place in Alachua County on Friday:
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Champions Club (157 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville) from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center (1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville) from 9 a.m. until noon.
Fellowship Church of High Springs (16916 NW US HWY 441, High Springs) from noon until 6 p.m.
All the walk-up clinics are offering the Pfizer vaccine, available for those 16 and older.
To expedite visits, participants should download and fill out the appropriate consent form and bring it with them to the event. For those who are unable to download this form and print it out, forms will be available at the event.