Panama City, Fla.— Last night, Bay County received confirmation of two new positive cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. The persons ill with the virus are a 74-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man. Both are Bay County residents. The 74-year-old woman is non-travel related. The 55-year-old man is travel-related including Florida and Puerto Rico.

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) has completed its contact investigations. Individuals who will need to self-monitor for symptoms for a 14-day period have been identified. Contact investigations are a critical way for staff epidemiologists to track and prevent the spread of disease.

The total COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Bay County is now three. Residency of the cases includes; Youngstown, Lynn Haven, and Texas. Additional information about the cases is protected by the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA), Florida Statute 381.0031(6), and Florida Administrative Code Rules 64D-3.036 and 64D-3.041. DOH-Bay's goal is to always protect patient privacy.

As of 5 p.m. today, there are currently 54 persons under investigation (PUIs) in Bay County including 52 residents and two non-residents. 51 tests are negative. Three tests are pending. Three tests are positive.

DOH-Bay has been monitoring COVID-19 since January and been in contact with Bay County Emergency Manager and medical providers to prepare response activities in the event we were to see cases in Bay.

COVID-19 symptoms and treatment

The symptoms of COVID-19 can mirror illnesses such as influenza. Patients with COVID-19 typically display symptoms such as fever (100.4°F or higher), cough, and/or shortness of breath within 2 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Approximately 80% of those affected with COVID-19 report mild to moderate illness and experience a complete recovery. Some experience more severe illness. People who are more vulnerable to the illness include individuals who are over age 65 with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised, ill or have underlying chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Many cases of COVID-19 can be managed at home by treating symptoms, and this is encouraged. However, if you develop worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or inability to drink fluids, contact 911 and advise them of your symptoms as you may need treatment at a hospital.

COVID-19 overview, symptoms, and general prevention

COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus; coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals. Other coronaviruses include the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is believed to have emerged from an animal source and is now capable of spreading from person-to-person. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

For more Information on COVID-19

To find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19  website. For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website. For more information about current travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, please visit the travel advisory website.

For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling (866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

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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.

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