June 1 Target Date For Reopening Of Government Buildings

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DeLand, FL - The Volusia County Council got busy today (May 12) with Relaunch Volusia and tentatively set June 1, 2020 as the target date for an organized reopening of government buildings, both county and municipal.

Relaunch Volusia will take place in three phases. We, of course, are currently in Phase 1, which is to continue slowing the spread of COVID-19.  Access to testing is a critical component. A new testing site opens at University High School in Orange City tomorrow (May 13) at 9 a.m.  Another opens on Friday in Daytona Beach at the Midtown Cultural & Educational Center.

“In addition to asking community members to minimize their movements and maintain social distancing, the community will use Phase I to increase access to diagnostic testing and monitor public health and medical system capacities,” states the report.

The 54-page document compiled by County staff shows that Phase 2 can be initiated  when the number of new COVID-19  cases have significantly fallen or come to a stop.  Facility modifications for government and private sector businesses will have to allow for safety in all operations.

Both the state of Florida and the federal government state "that an area should consider reopening after a consistent 14-day decrease in the daily amount of confirmed cases." In Volusia County, six new cases were reported today (May 12) but only three the day before (May 11).

“Everything is being done very cautiously. We have a great team here,” County Manager George Recktenwald told the County Council. “Every one of these areas, as we open up, has been well thought out.”

The measures the County will take as they fully reopen  county buildings "include such things as providing access to COVID-19 testing for county employees and the installation of ultraviolet-C (UVC) air handler treatment systems, hand sanitizer stations, plexiglass barriers in customer service areas and door pullers in restrooms." There are plans to contract with a part-time epidemiologist or infectious disease physician to be part of the county's employee testing program and strategies.

Relaunch Volusia, COVID-19, Volusia County Council