USPS Publication Number 16300
T h is C o m mu n i t y N ewsp a p er is a pu bl ica t ion of E sca m bia-S a n t a Rosa B a r Assoc ia t ion
Se r v i ng t he Fi r st Jud icia l Ci rcu it Section A, Page 1
Vol. 20, No. 16
Visit The Summation Weekly Online: www.summationweekly.com
April 15, 2020
1 Section, 8 Pages
PENSACOLA COMPANY CREATES COVID-19 RAPID TEST by Gina Castro
Pensacola’s Medical Specialties Group of Louisiana (MSGLA) created a COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit that is able to show results within 5 to 10 minutes. This COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test functions as a chromatographic immunoassay, which is when an antibody is attached to a support and used to help measure a specific aspect, to detect IgG and IgM antibodies in blood, serum and plasma. John F. Carter of MSGLA explained that the process of the test is just a prick of a finger. The blood sample is then added to the test applicator. If the test results are negative, a solid red line will appear by the “C,” which stands for control. Negative results mean that the IgG and IgM antibodies were not detected. “If you come up positive on this test, then you can self quarantine for the 14 days that the federal government wants. If you come up negative, you go about your day,” Carter said. “If you do come up positive and your symptoms worsen over several days, then you now have to
go to the hospital and tell the health care provider that you tested positive seven days ago.” MSGLA’s website shows that the accuracy for the test ranges between 97.8 percent to 99.6 percent. This rapid test, which is FDA approved, is faster than the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which is what health care providers have been using to test for COVID-19. PCR results, though very accurate, can take three to five days to give results. Because COVID-19 can take up to two weeks to show symptoms in an individual, this virus is spreading rapidly across the world and the
U.S. As of April 12, there are 19,895 cases of COVID-19 in Florida with 204 cases in Escambia County. “I think the important part is for more people to have knowledge whether they are positive or negative. We need more results to understand where this thing is going. The only way that it benefits all of us is that more tests get done,” Carter explained. “We’re already hearing that hospitals and urgent cares are over crowded. Somehow more testing
needs to get to the marketplace, and we think we have the ability to play a role in that.” The overall cost for this rapid test is $49.95, and at this time, health insurance does not cover its cost. However, Carter said that MSGLA has already submitted the necessary paperwork so that health insurance can reimburse those who purchase this test and are waiting upon approval. MSGLA is also working with local healthcare providers to
get this rapid test into hospitals and urgent cares. MSGLA is unable to test patients within its facility. Carter said that MSGLA hopes to share this test nationwide. They sent a test kit proposal to Vice President Mike Pence, who is a member within the COVID-19 Task Force, and are waiting for his response. To learn more about this test, visit msgofla.us/products/.
COVI D -1 9 CO M M UN ITY R E SOU R C E GUID E While there can be no doubt that the coronavirus has changed, and will continue to change, our community and our world, there can also be no doubt that Pensacolians know how to come together and care for one another like few other communities. Here are just a few resources for our community members in need. FLORIDA PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM All state testing has been canceled for Florida Public Schools. In addition, Florida public schools are closed to onsite learning until at least April 15. Escambia and Santa Rosa students switched to remote learning on April 1. Visit your school district's website for detailed information. Escambia County: ecsd-fl. schoolloop.com Santa Rosa County: santarosa. k12.fl.us FINANCIAL HELP The United Way of West Florida COVID-19 Response Fund
The UWWF COVID-19 Response Fund will support families within our service area that are struggling to keep their lights on or pay their bills. It will ensure that seniors and veterans have food on their plates and provide relief to households that can't access adequate childcare or fill emergency prescriptions. It will provide support to nonprofit agencies and programs to nonprofit programs that are providing critical services to our community. If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, please dial 2-11, or visit www.211nwfl.org, to connect with our information and referral hotline, 211 Northwest Florida. Those able to give may do so by texting 850RESPOND to 41444 or by visiting uwwf.org/ covid19fund. SCREENINGS Screen Yourself and Call First
If you believe you have become sick, call, do not visit, your health care provider and tell them about your symptoms and your travel history or exposure to a COVID-19 patient. It is important to call ahead before visiting your health care provider. Offices must take proper steps to avoid further spread of COVID-19. If you do not have a health care provider or health insurance, call, do not visit, Community Health Northwest Florida at 850-436-4630 or other community walk-in care locations, and tell them about your symptoms
and your travel history or exposure to a COVID-19 patient. They will determine if you meet the criteria for testing.
Drive-through COVID-19 testing in Escambia County
Drive through testing is available at two locations. IMPORTANT: All patients are required to be screened before arriving at the drive-through testing centers by calling the local COVID-19 Screening Call Center at 850-746-2684. The screening call center is open Monday through Friday from 6 am to 10 pm. The call center staff will assist in helping find the testing center that best fits the needs of each person needing a COVID-19 test. The hours of operation for the drive-through testing centers for COVID-19 are 9 am to 1 pm. UTILITY ASSISTANCE Gulf Power Suspending collections through the end of March ECUA - Will not cut off water to your home or business for nonpayment. Offering payment plan assistance to those with extreme financial losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic. COX (Internet) - Offering a low-income internet tier with no annual contract and relaxing data usage overage charges for all tiers until May 15, 2020. RESOURCES FOR SENIORS Food Resources for Seniors
Council on Aging of West Florida operates over a dozen senior dining sites in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, from which to-go meals are distributed Monday through Friday at 11 am. First-time clients must first call (850) 432-1475 by noon the day before they desire their meal to sign up. Escambia County is coordinating additional food distribution sites (myescambia. com/covid-19-information-forescambia-county/food-sites-list). Please call the individual site to inquire about qualifications necessary to receive nutrition. Feeding the Gulf Coast Assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Social icon
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Use their website's Find Pantry (feedingthegulfcoast.org/find-help/ find-a-pantry) feature to locate help. Everyday Items
Council on Aging of West Florida operates a community care closet from which anyone 60 and up can request protein supplements, adult diapers, walkers, canes, etc. Call (850) 432-1475 to ensure availability. GROCERY STORE CURB SIDE PICKUP AND/OR DELIVERY OPTIONS The following grocery stores offer online shopping with curbside pickup and/or delivery options: Publix , Winn Dixie , Walmart, Target. SHOPPING HOURS FOR SENIORS Many stores are offering specified shopping hours for seniors. The list is constantly changing so it is recommended you Google: COVID-19 Shopping for Seniors to see if there are any updates: Dollar General: The first hour of operation is reserved for seniors. Call your local store to find out opening times. Fresh Market: Anyone 65 and older can shop from 7 to 8 am. Publix: Anyone 65 and older can shop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8 am. Target: Stores are reserving an hour on Wednesdays for "vulnerable shoppers." Call your local store to find out exact hours. Walgreens: Every Tuesday, starting Tuesday, March 24 (through April 28), is now Seniors Day with all-day discounts and seniors-only shopping from 8 to 9 a.m. (and now open one hour earlier on Tuesdays for 60 and older to shop). Walmart: Every day from 7 to 8 am is reserved for elder shoppers and those at highest risk for complications from COVID-19. Winn-Dixie: Stores are open 8 to 9 am Monday through Friday exclusively to seniors and highrisk customers. TRANSPORTATION Escambia County Paratransit offers transportation for disabled individuals living in Escambia County. Please call ECAT Customer Service at 850-5953228 if you need assistance with a specific route or have additional questions. Updated information will also available on www. mye s c a m b i a . c o m . E s c a m b i a County Community Transportation will temporarily suspend all paratransit services after 7 p.m. for weekday and Saturday services.
All medical necessary trips will be honored. Sunday service is temporarily suspended. All expired paratransit eligibility will be extended for 90 days. In-person paratransit eligibility interviews will be rescheduled or completed over the phone. In Santa Rosa county, the TriCounty Community Council is committed to providing the safest, most efficient, most courteous and reliable services to the transportation disadvantaged residents. Transportation services are available for all who meet eligibility requirements including the elderly, disabled, and those with low income. Some riders are transported for specific purposes by sponsoring agencies. Riders transported under the NonSponsored program are charged a co-pay based on the service area of the trip, while others may be charged the full cost of the trip. Reservations must be made no later than 12 noon the day before your scheduled appointment. Call (850) 626-6806. VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS The Center for Independent Living operates the Peer Support Group for people with disabilities (including seniors) that will be occurring online on April 7, 2020, at noon. This will be the first time online. People will be able to participate by either calling in or joining on the internet. Epilepsy Florida offers education and virtual support group for individuals with a suspicion or diagnosis of epilepsy/ seizure disorder. To receive services, contact the hotline at 1-877-553-7453. SUPPORT LOCAL
Local businesses offer online classes
Fitness – Wild Lemon, Militia Fitness, Ride Society, Regymen Fitness, Unlimited Fitness Results, Breath Yoga, URU Yoga and Fixed on Fitness are just a few of the local businesses offering online workouts to keep you fit and focused while staying home. You can find information on each businesses Facebook page. Arts and Crafts – Pensacola Museum of Art is offering virtual exhibits and art activities to do at home. The Facebook group “Pensacola Mask Sewers are making hundreds of masks for first responders and medical workers. Meditation – In these difficult and worrisome times, we could all use a little break from our own thoughts. Local yoga studios,
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Breathe Yoga and URU offer a variety of online meditation, yoga and sound bath experiences to calm your mind and spirit. RETAIL AND SMALL BUSINESS Small businesses are offering a variety of services amid the outbreak—everything from pizza and cupcake kits to mechanics and cleaning services. Check out the Pensacola Retail & Small Business Offers Amid COVID-19 Facebook page for an ongoing list. DON'T FORGET THE FUR BABIES Local shelters are in desperate need of fosters. If you have room in your heart and home, contact the Pensacola Humane Society at pensacolahumane.org. Local pet pantries are supplying local families in need with food for their fur babies. Pensacola Humane Society — 5 North Q Street pensacolahumane.org Open noon til 5 daily . Supplies pet food to anyone in need. 400 Paws, Inc — 1147 Creighton Road Open: fourth Sunday of each month 1 til 3 pm. Apply for assistance at 400paws.org A Hope — 5755 Washington Street, Milton Open: Second Sunday of each month from 1 til 3 pm. Apply for assistance at ahope4src.com. COMMUNITIES STAY SOCIAL WHILE MAINTAINING PHYSICAL DISTANCE Porch Music – East Hill residents started a Walk the Hill event on Sunday evenings. Local musicians take to their porches to offer live music to passing neighbors. All CDC social distancing recommendations apply. Check the East Hill Neighborhood Association Facebook page for more info. Art Walk — Old East Hill Residents have been staging neighborhood art and music walks. Local artists display their work in their front yards while musicians play tunes on their porches. All CDC social distancing recommendations apply. Check the Old East Hill Facebook page for more information. Bear Walks — Many neighborhoods are placing teddy bears in their windows as a game for families taking their daily walks. Check your neighborhood association Facebook page.
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