Government Officials Remind Resident’s “Do Your Part,” During Press Conference.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Volusia County Government held a press conference Friday, from the Emergency Management Operations Center in Daytona Beach.

Dr. Peter Springer, the Medical Director for Volusia County informed with the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise in the state, that the ICU capacity and PPE are all within good supply here in Volusia County.

Patricia Boswell, Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, announced the positivity rate is up to 11%. “The number of COVID Positive Cases in hospitals is increasing, but hospital systems are handling the increase,” Boswell said. “Plans are in place to assist hospitals in the event of a surge.”

“If you think you have COVID and your symptoms are manageable please stay home,” Springer said at the conference. “If symptoms are unmanageable seek medical help.”

Dr. Joe Smith, Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth in DeLand, says that 20% of beds in the AdventHealth hospitals are open across Central Florida but encourages the use of any type of mask to help prevent the spread of the virus.

At this time, it seems the younger demographic are getting sick, but being symptoms aren’t as severe, which does not mean that they cannot carry the virus.

Officials are reiterating the Step-Up Volusia Initiative message of Wash Up. Back-Up. Mask Up., to urge residents of Volusia County to “do your part.

Grant programs and Food Initiative programs are still accepting applications and are in full effect throughout the county. For more information visit 

www.volusia.org.