Coronavirus Disease 2019
Coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19, is a respiratory disease that presents with a fever, cough, and shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. While cases in the United States and Florida remain relatively low, the focus at this time is on containment, mitigation, education, and testing.
The Juvenile Welfare Board is working closely with the Florida Department of Health, who is leading the effort locally and statewide. We are also coordinating with Pinellas County Government and monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). JWB’s role is to share information with our funded agency partners, and offer materials and resources for children and families.
Preventative Measures
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends the following preventative measures:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday twice); an alternative is a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms: fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard the tissue.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are healthy wear a face mask; face masks should be worn by people who are sick or have symptoms.
Resources and Links
Call Center
The Florida Department of Health operates a COVID-19 Call Center. The number is 1-866-779-6121, and operators are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight. You may also email questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
Website Links
Florida Department of Health Website
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Materials to Download from Centers for Disease Control
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – English
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – Spanish
Stop the Spread of Germs Poster – English
Stop the Spread of Germs Poster – Spanish
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Symptoms Poster – English
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Symptoms Poster – Spanish
For additional materials visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html.
Materials to Download from Juvenile Welfare Board
Stop the Spread of Germs Poster – English
Stop Sign – Stop Germs Building Poster – English
Stop the Spread of Germs Poster – Spanish
Stop Sign – Stop Germs Building Poster – Spanish
Other Links and Materials
FAQs on Coronavirus Disease 19 and Children – Centers for Disease Control
Guidance for Child Care Centers and Schools – Centers for Disease Control
Just for Kids: A Comic on the Coronavirus
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus) A Parent Resource – English
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus) A Parent Resource – Spanish
Educational Toolkit for At-Home Learning for Parents/Caregivers