An 80-year-old Citrus County resident diagnosed with COVID-19 passed away today.
This is the first COVID-19 death in Citrus County.
We are expressing our condolences to the person’s family and will continue to work with the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and our community partners to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Positive cases and fatalities are reported by DOH twice a day, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., on the DOH COVID-19 Dashboard. Please visit the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 site at 
https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ where you can find important information regarding what you need to know now about COVID-19 in Florida.
For more information about DOH-Citrus, visit www.CitrusCountyHealth.org or follow us on Twitter at @FLHealthCitrus.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Currently, Citrus County has 9 positive cases for the coronavirus. Of those nine, 4 are in the Crystal River area, 2 in Lecanto, 2 in Inverness, and 1 in Hernando. Additional information regarding cases can be found on the FL DOH’s dashboard at https://experience.arcgis.com/…/96dd742462124fa0b38ddedb9b2….
If you have any questions regarding any of the information provided within the update, please see the contact list at the bottom of this post and contact the appropriate organization/agency.
CLOSURES:
- Florida schools will be closed through April 15th
- All Courts of the Fifth Judicial Circuit will be closed through April 17th
- All Citrus County parks and recreation areas (Including state parks, i.e. Rails to Trails)
- Inverness & Crystal River parks and recreation areas
- Dine-in restaurant areas
- Gyms/ fitness centers
- Bars/ night clubs
- Several CCSO volunteer run programs (Fingerprinting Services, Seniors VS Crime, Beverly Hills store front)
- Cash paid tolls on Florida highways (Sunpass and Toll-by-Plate still available)
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS:
– Citrus County School District electronic device rentals open to assist families with online learning. This week starts their iPad distribution process for accessing instructional materials.
- Court fines can be reassessed by the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- Drivers Licenses expiring within the next 30 days will be extended
- Duke Energy will not be discontinuing service for non-payment until the national state of emergency is lifted
- LifeStream is providing crisis intervention for those needing mental health assistance
BUSINESSES:
-For a list of local restaurants participating in takeout/delivery services, please visit the Citrus County Chronicle article listed at the end of this post
-All complaint regarding businesses not complying with Gov. DeSantis’s Executive Order should be made to the DBPR
-Small Business assistance loans are being provided by the Small Business Development Center – SBDC at UNF
SCAMS:
Unfortunately, some individuals take advantage of difficult times and attempt to defraud other members of the community. Be on the lookout for:
-Online “virus map” links that infect your computer with malware. Utilize the CDC website for updates
-Door-to-door scams offering COVID-19 testing
-Phone calls claiming to send you testing kits in exchange for payments or gift cards
HOW TO HELP:
- Participate in rumor control by only sharing information verified by the CDC, the Florida Department of Health, and the Governor’s Office.
- Donate to a local food bank. Contact Feeding Florida to find a bank near you.
- Adopt or foster a pet from Citrus County Animal Services
- Donate blood to local blood banks. Visit LifeSouth Community Blood Centers to see how they have made the process safe for donors
Thank you for this article. For once we get some good information. Please continue to publish unbiased truthful factual information for our area thank you. Also is there going to be any help for those of us who are disabled and over the age of 65 who have nothing but our Social Security? Will we be included in getting some financial relief? There are those of us who are living right on the edge one step from homeless, renting a room in someone else’s home, what about us? Thank you for your comments
I’m in the same situation, but under 65. My relative used to pay my electric bill. Can not anymore. I saw the phone number for helping with utilities. Have never asked for help, do you think they will help me? Thank you.
Please don’t put my name on top, or change it to Ann, thank you.
Why is the public not notified of people that die or are affected with COVID 19. It seems irresponsible in view that we these people are carriers and persons at large may have been infected and spreading this disease onward.