Below you will find information concerning COVID-19. COVID-19, also called “the Coronavirus,” is a new illness. It spreads from person to person very fast. Someone who has COVID-19 will probably have a fever, a cough, and a hard time breathing. If you feel hot or have trouble breathing, it doesn’t always mean you have COVID-19, but you should tell someone as soon as you feel sick.
Click Here to learn about symptoms and use the CDC's Coronavirus Self-Checker
Click Here for CDC Toolkit for People with Disabilities
Click Here for Provider Information
Click Here for WSC Information
Click Here for Executive and Emergency Orders
Click Here for the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery
3/5/21 APD COVID-19 Information Tracker
8/4/20 APD COVID 19 Information Tracker - Description and Instructions
8/4/20 COVID-19 State Agency Websites and Other Hub Sites
8/4/20 CDC COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions Search
2/22/21 List of COVID-19 Resources for People with Disabilities
Click Here for Information and Resources for Families
Providers
- 1/7/21 AHCA Alert - COVID-19 Vaccinations for Assisted Living Facilities
- 1/7/21 What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws
- 12/14/20 AHCA Alert - AHCA’s ESS: Daily Long Term Care Facilities Reporting Update
- 12/4/20 DOH Memo - Applicability of Updated Quarantine Guidance
- 11/18/20 AHCA Alert - Long Term Care Facilities Update
- 11/18/20 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Training - TRAIN Florida
- 11/9/20 FAQ - Pharmacy Partnership for LTC Program
- 11/9/20 Form - Pharmacy Partnership for LTC Program for COVID-19 Vaccination
- 11/4/20 AHCA Alert - Long-Term Care Facility Visitation Expectations
- 10/5/20 90-day extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- 10/2/20 HRSA Announces Phase 3 Distribution from Provider Relief Fund
- 10/1/20 AHCA Alert - Testing of ALF/ICF-DD Staff and Residents
- 9/30/20 Guidance Memorandum - COVID-19 Guidance for Adult Day Training Providers
- 9/25/20 List of Possible Labs to be Used
- 9/23/20 Provider Advisory #2020-018 Discontinuation of Mandatory Provider Testing
- 9/22/20 Frequently Asked Questions regarding APD Guidance Documents and DEM Emergency Order 20-009
- 9/15/20 AHCA Alert - iBudget Provider Retainer Payments - Recoupment Process
- 9/10/20 APD Guidance Memorandum - APD-Licensed Facility Operators Visitation Expectations Regarding Emergency Order 20-009
- 9/10/20 APD Guidance Memorandum - Questions & Answers for APD-Licensed Facility Operators Regarding Emergency Order 20-009
- 9/9/20 AHCA Alert - Long-Term Care Facility Visitation Expectations
- 9/8/20 APD Visitor Health Screening Questionnaire
- 9/8/20 APD Guidance Memorandum - COVID-19 Guidance for Adult Day Training Providers
- 9/8/20 APD CMS Reviewer Adult Day Training COVID-19 Checklist
- 9/8/20 Regional COVID-19 ADT Programs Operating Plan Review Checklist
- 9/8/20 APD Guidance Memorandum - On-site Monitoring/Licensing Visits for APD-Licensed Homes
- 9/8/20 APD Guidance Memorandum - Protocols for Community-Based iBudget Florida Waiver Services
- 9/8/20 APD Guidance Memorandum - Facility Residents Returning to Work
- 9/5/20 AHCA Safe and Limited Re-Opening of Long-term Care Facilities Emergency Order 20-009 Questions & Answers
- 9/2/20 APD Guidance Memorandum - Guidance Document for Group Home and Foster-Care Operators Regarding Visitors
- 9/2/20 AHCA Alert - Emergency Order Revises Visitation Restrictions at Residential, Skilled Nursing and Long-term Care Facilities
- 8/18/20 AHCA Alert - iBudget Residential Habilitation Services
- 8/17/20 APD Guidance Memorandum - APD Licensed Homes - Assisting Group Home Residents with Transitioning Back to School
- 8/12/20 AHCA Alert - Reminder: Important Funding Announcement For All Medicaid Providers
- 8/11/20 ADT Telemedicine FAQ
- 8/9/20 AHCA Alert - iBudget Telemedicine ADT Services
- 8/6/20 Provider Advisory #2020-015 Enforcement Guidance on COVID-19 Testing Pursuant to Rule 65GER20-1, Florida Administrative Code
- 7/23/20 List of Florida COVID-19 Testing Sites
- 7/21/20 AHCA Alert - Testing Criteria for Elderly and Medically Vulnerable Individuals
- 7/21/20 AHCA Alert - Residential and LTC Facilities to Implement Universal Use of Facial Masks
- 7/20/20 AHCA Alert - Long-term Care Facilities Transfers and Testing Updates
- 7/20/20 Return to Work Criteria for Essential Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19
- 7/17/20 AHCA Alert - HCBS Provider Retainer Payment Limtiations
- 7/16/20 AHCA Alert - Long-term Care Testing Clarification
- 7/13/20 AHCA Alert - Electronic Visit Verification Date Postponed Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
- 7/1/20 DOH - Update on Reporting of COVID-19 for Health Care Providers and Facilities
- 6/26/20 AHCA - Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Emergency Rules Routine Staff Testing 59AER20-4 and 59AER20-5 Questions & Answers
- 6/12/20 AHCA Alert - Medicaid Covergage of Coronavirus Antibody Testing
- 4/23/20 APD COVID-19 Guidance for Providers and Waiver Support Coordinators
- 4/15/20 AHCA Alert - Intermediate Care Facilities Additional Time to Pay Quality Assessment Fee
- 4/13/20 Clarification to Qlarant Desk Review Process
- 4/3/20 AHCA Medicaid Health Care Alert - iBudget Provider Payment Flexibility Process
- 3/31/20 AHCA Medicaid Health Care Alert - COVID-19: Maintain Medicaid Recipient Eligibility and Extend Time to Complete Application Process
- 3/30/20 Health Information for APD Licensed Group and Foster homes
- 3/30/20 Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfection for APD Group and Foster Homes
- 3/23/20 APD Emergency Order 20-01
- 3/18/20 AHCA Follow-up to Agency's Guidance to Implement Universal Use of Face Masks in Residential/Long Term Care Facilities
- 3/18/20 AHCA Medicaid Health Care Alert - iBudget Provider Payment Flexibility
- 3/12/20 Provider Advisory 2020-004 Important Visitor Screening Protocol
- 3/9/20 Letter to Providers - March 9
FDA Updates on Hand Sanitizers with Methanol
CMS Home and Community-Based Settings Regulation Timeline Extension and FAQs
No Cost--Emotional Support Resources for Health Care Workers:
SAMHSA Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19
The ADA and Face Masks Policies
Empath Health is offering up to six free, one-hour counseling sessions to any health care worker in the Tampa Bay area. Call (727) 523-3451 to schedule an appointment.
Florida Department of Health Resource Pool (Helps match qualified furloughed clinicians with facilities that need additional local staffing)
DOH will temporarily reactivate unencumbered inactive medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, respiratory therapists, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for 90 days. Inactive practitioners can log in to their online account here to reactivate.
Qlarant Florida Statewide Quality Assurance Program COVID-19 Update
In home and community-based settings, health care providers should advise patients with COVID-19 of the CDC guidance to mitigate transmission of the virus. This includes isolating at home during illness, restricting activities except for medical care, using a separate bathroom and bedroom if possible, and prohibiting visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home. The certified Medicare/Medicaid provider is expected to share this information with patients with the COVID-19 virus and his/her caregiver. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html
Helpful Links
- Provider Advisories
- DOH's COVID-19 Webpage
- AHCA's COVID-19 Webpage
- COVID-19 Provider FAQ
- COVID-19 Printable Posters & Materials
- Available Public Service Programs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webinar: "Answering 20 Questions about COVID-19"
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Medicare telemedicine health care provider fact sheet
- Temporary Policy for Preparation of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency
- Simple Respiratory Protection—Evaluation of the Filtration Performance of Cloth Masks and Common Fabric Materials Against 20–1000nm Size Particles
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Communication Resources
- Qlarant Florida Statewide Quality Assurance Program COVID-19 Update
- World Health Organization (WHO) tips for when and how to use masks
- Videos about COVID-19 (WHO)
- CDC Health Care Professionals FAQ
- Home care for patients with COVID-19 presenting with mild symptoms and management of their contacts (WHO)
- CDC Interim Guidance for Public Health Personnel Evaluating Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) and Asymptomatic Close Contacts of Confirmed Cases at Their Home or Non-Home Residential Settings
- The Council of Autism - Service Providers:Organizational Guidelines and Standards
- Practice Parameters for Telehealth-implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis: Continuity of Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Presentation
- Resources for Telehealth Delivery of ABA Services During COVID-19 Pandemic
- COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for State Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies
- Decontamination and Reuse of Filtering Facepiece Respirators
- Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
- Interim Considerations for Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers who may have had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
- CDC COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
- Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings (Interim Guidance)
- Resources for Businesses and Employers
- Running Essential Errands
- Interim CDC Guidance on Handling Non-COVID-19 Public Health Activities that Require Face-to-Face Interaction with Clients in the Clinic and Field in the Current COVID-19 Pandemic
- Tips for Conducting Telehealth Consultation
- Family-Professional Partnerships
- The Center for Start Services - COVID-19 Resources
- Feeding Resource List
- Florida Legal Services: COVID-19 Resources
- Link to Psychological First Aid Overview from SAMHSA: Recording
- Mental Health Challenges and Resilience
- SAMHSA Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19
- Talkspace Mental Health Resources & Therapy for Health Care Workers & State EmployeesU.S. Department of Health and Human Services May 8 Response Guidance Update
- Telehealth Self-Evaluation Checklist published by Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
- Article: "Four Tips for Families from Occupational Therapists During the Summer of COVID-19"
- Mental Health Services: Quality Council Presentation
- Applying Peer Support to the Top 10 Concerns About Person-Centered Planning in Mental Health Systems
- CDC Guidance for Group Homes for Individuals with Disabilities
- CDC Guidance on Caring for People with Developmental Disabilities
- Providing and Receiving Respite Care Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- ACL COVID-19 Website
Guidance from the FDA and CDC regarding expired Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and using PPE during a shortage
- Surgical Mask and Gown Conservation Strategies - Letter to Healthcare Providers
- Release of Stockpiled N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators Beyond the Manufacturer-Designated Shelf Life: Considerations for the COVID-19 Response
- FAQs on Shortages of Surgical Masks and Gowns
- Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators: Crisis/Alternate Strategies
- Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Eye Protection
- Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Isolation Gowns
- Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Facemasks
- Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators
- Healthcare Supply of Personal Protective Equipment
- NIOSH-Approved N95 Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators
- Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
Loan Programs
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program (Florida DEO)- Short-term, interest-free loans
- http://floridajobs.org/rebuildflorida/businessrecovery
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
- Low-interest federal disaster loans
- Application Deadline: N/A
- disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/EIDLLoans
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Florida Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Short-Time Compensation Program
- Helps employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff
http://www.floridajobs.org/office-directory/division-of-workforce-services/reemployment-assistance-programs/short-time-compensation-program-for-employers
Resource Links
- Florida Department of Health website: floridahealthcovid19.gov
- 24/7 Call Center: 1-866-779-6121
- Email: COVID-19@flhealth.gov
- CDC website: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- APD Regional Offices: apd.myflorida.com/region
- Florida Department of Economic Opportunity website: floridajobs.org
- Please fill out the Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz to help DEO assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations.
WSCs
- WSC Advisories
- 9/17/20 Guidance Memorandum - COVID-19 Protocols for In-Person Waiver Services
- 9/17/20 WSC Advisory 2020-030 Identification of Essential Caregivers under DEM EO 20-009
- 5/1/20 WSC Advisory 2020-017 Provider Codes for Telemedicine During COVID-19 Updated Information
- 4/27/20 WSC Advisory 2020-016 Additional COVID-19 WSC Clarifications
- 4/23/20 APD COVID-19 Guidance for Providers and Waiver Support Coordinators
- 4/13/20 Clarification to Qlarant Desk Review Process
- 3/30/20 WSC Advisory 2020-011 Helping Clients Maintain Benefits
- 3/19/20 WSC Advisory 2020-010 Additional COVID-19 Contact Requirements
- 3/13/20 WSC Advisory 2020-009 COVID-19 and Consumer Contact Requirements
- 3/13/20 WSC Advisory 2020-008 Cybersecurity Alert
- Qlarant Florida Statewide Quality Assurance Program COVID-19 Update
CDC+ Resources
- 3/19/20 CDC+ Consultant Advisory 2020-017 Payroll Overtime Payment Error
- 3/19/20 CDC+ Consultant Advisory 2020-016 COVID-19 CDC Program Information and Updates
- 3/13/20 CDC Consultant Advisory 2020-015 Natural Disaster Preparedness
Declarations
Executive Orders
- 3/1/21 Emergency Order 21-47 - Amending Executive Order 20-315 - Vaccine Administration/Protecting Florida's Seniors
- COVID-19 Determination of Extreme Vulnerability Form - 3/1/21 Emergency Order 21-46 - Vaccine Administration/Protecting Florida's Seniors
- 3/1/21 Emergency Order 21-45 - Emergency Management - Extension of Executive Order 20-52-COVID-19
- 12/29/20 Executive Order 20-316: Extension of Executive Order 20-52 COVID-19
- 12/23/20 Executive Order 20-315: First Phase of COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
- 11/24/20 Executive Order 20-297: Extending Executive Order 20-244: Phase 3; Right to Work; Business Certainty; Suspension of Fines
- 11/4/20 Executive Order 20-276: Extension of Executive Order 20-52 for 60 days
- 9/25/20 Executive Order 20-244: Phase 3; Right to Work, Business Certainty; Suspension of Fines
- 9/4/20 Executive Order 20-214: Palm Beach County to move into Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery
- 9/4/20 Executive Order 20-213: Emergency Management -Extension of Executive 0rder 20-52-COVID-19
- 8/31/20 Executive Order 20-210: Renewal Deadline Delay for the holder of any license, permit, registration, or certificate issued by DBPR and Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, for the purposes of engaging in the manufacturing, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages in the State of Florida.
- 8/6/20 Executive Order 20-192: Amending Executive Orders 20-68, 20-139, 20-166, and 20-179
- 7/31/20 Executive Order 20-181: Emergency Management-Hurricane Isaias
- 7/31/20 Map of Counties Under Executive Order 20-181
- 7/30/20 Executive Order 20-180: Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief
- 7/30/20 Executive Order 20-179: Local Government Public Meetings
- 7/7/20 Executive Order 20-166: Emergency Management-Extension of Executive Order 20-52
- 6/3/20 Executive Order 20-139: Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery
- 5/26/20 Executive Order 20-131: Expanding Full Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery
- 5/15/20 Executive Order 20-123: Full Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery
- 5/14/20 Executive Order 20-122: Broward and Miami-Dade Counties to Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery
- 5/11/20 Executive Order 20-120: Expanding Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery
- 5/11/20 Executive Order 20-114: Emergency Management - Extension of Executive Order 20-52 - COVID-19
- 5/1/20 Executive Order 20-112: Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery
- 5/1/20 Executive Order 20-111: Limited Extension of Essential Services and Activities and Vacation Rental Prohibition
- 4/17/20 Executive Order 20-104: Temporary Action Related to Unemployment Compensation
- 4/9/20 Executive Order 20-97: Municipal Elections in Pasco County
- 4/3/20 Executive Order 20-94: Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief
- 4/3/20 Executive Order 20-93: Reemployment Assistance Program
- 4/6/20 Executive Order 20-92: Amending Executive Order 20-91
- 4/1/20 Executive Order 20-91: Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency
- 3/31/20 Executive Order 20-88: Re-employment of Essential Personnel
- 3/30/20 Executive Order 20-86: Additional Requirements of Certain Individuals Traveling to Florida
- 3/26/20 Executive Order 20-85: Telehealth and Immunizations for State Group Insurance
- 3/25/20 Executive Order 20-83: Protective Measures for Vulnerable Populations, Gatherings of Private Citizens, and Density of the Workforce
- 3/25/20 Executive Order 20-82: Isolation of Individuals Traveling to Florida
- 3/25/20 Executive Order 20-80: Airport Screening and Isolation
- 3/20/20 Executive Order 20-72: Non-essential Elective Medical Procedures
- 3/20/20 Executive Order 20-71: Alcohol Sales, Restaurants, and Gyms
- 3/20/20 Executive Order 20-69:Local Government Public Meetings
- 3/20/20 Executive Order 20-68: Bars, Beaches, and Restaurants
- 3/10/20 Executive Order 20-52: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- 3/2/20 Executive Order 20-51: COVID-19 Response Protocol and Directs Public Health Emergency
Emergency Orders
- 10/22/20 DEM Emergency Order 20-011: Suspension of statutes subsections with facility visitation restrictions
- 9/1/20 DEM Emergency Order 20-009: Revisions of Visitation Restrictions for Group Homes
- 7/24/20 DOH Emergency Order 20-011 - Suspsension of Rules and Statutes
- 7/13/20 DEM Emergency Order 20-008 - Invoices
- 5/13/20 AHCA Emergency Order 20-003 - Temporary Extension of Nursing Homes and Intermediate Care Facility Medicaid Reporting
- 5/7/20 APD Emergency Order 20-04: Admissions and Competency Training
- 4/16/20 DJJ Emergency Order 2020-01 - Supplemental 2 - Visitation
- 4/16/20 APD Emergency Order 20-03: Questionnaire for Situational Information (QSI)
- 4/8/20 APD Emergency Order 20-02: Admissions and Competency Training
- 4/8/20 DJJ Emergency Order 2020-01 - Supplemental 1 - Visitiation
- 4/6/20 DMS Emergency Order 20-02: Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act/Emergency Paid Sick Leave
- 3/23/20 APD Emergency Order 20-01: Assessments and Renewal Deadlines
- 3/23/20 DBPR Emergency Order 2020-02: Suspension of Some Business Regulations
- 3/22/20 DCF Emergency Order 20-055 - Facility Transfers
- 3/21/20 DOH Emergency Order 20-002: Suspension of Statutes, Rules, and Orders
- 3/21/20 DJJ Emergency Order 2020-01 - Visitation
- 3/17/20 AHCA Emergency Order 20-001 - Background Screening
- 3/16/20 DEM Emergency Order 20-006: Visitation Clarification
- 3/11/20 DEM Emergency Order 20-002: Visitation Protocol
- 3/10/20 DEM Emergency Order 20-001: Suspension of the Statutes and Rules
Emergency Rule Notices
- 2/16/21 Emergency Rule 64JER21-1 - Paramedic and Emeraency Medical Technician Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines
- 12/18/20 Emergency Rule 64DER20-44 - Redistribution of COVID-19 vaccines
- 8/10/20 AHCA Emergency Rule 59AER20-10 - Mandatory Testing Entry for Infection Control in Nursing Homes
- 8/10/20 AHCA Emergency Rule 59AER20-9 - Mandatory Entry Testing for Asssited Living Facilities
- 8/5/20 AHCA Emergency Rule 59AER20-8 - Mandatory Hospital Testing for Long-term Care Facilities
- 7/16/20 AHCA Emergency Rule 59AER20-6 - Hospital Screening Requirements for Long-Term Care Residents
- 5/6/20 AHCA Emergency Rule 59AER20-1: Hospital Screening Requirements for Long-Term Care Facility Residents
- 4/6/20 Notice of Emergency Rule - Revised Definition of "Face-to-Face" psychotherapy
APD Daily Report
APD is very grateful for the supplies donated by generous groups across the state. The Family Care Council for Area 13 donated 134 washable face masks for distribution to providers and customers living in APD group homes. The Pensacola Mask Sewers organization donated 152 cloth masks to help APD customers and the staff helping them, 76 cloth masks for Escambia County and 76 for Santa Rosa County. APD’s Developmental Disabilities Defendant Program (DDDP) of Chattahoochee recently received a donation of face shields and sanitizers. Kelli Walter with The Focus Foundation and Envision Credit Union donated 101 face shields, two gallons of alcohol, and two spray bottles to assist the facility with infection prevention measures. DDDP also received 10 cases of KN95 masks as a donation from El Bethel Assembly of God, Sneads Assembly, the local district of United Assemblies of God, and McDaniel’s Piggly Wiggly. Florida A&M University donated 45,000 pairs of gloves to APD’s three centers in Gainesville, Marianna, and Chattahoochee, and also donated a large tent to Sunland Center in Marianna for staff screenings. The Florida Baptist Convention donated more than 7,000 N95 masks to the three centers.
