Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates from the City of Clermont
FAQs
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
How many COVID-19 cases are in Clermont?
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
Don't see your question answered here? Call our main line at 352-394-4081 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday) or email info@clermontfl.org.
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
For the latest updates on local vaccine information, please click here to be directed to the city's designated COVID-19 vaccine page. For questions about the DOH-Lake's vaccine distribution, their hotline is available 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. at 352-268-9299 and their email address is COVID-19@flhealth.gov; you can also visit their website at www.lake.floridahealth.gov and view their Twitter for frequent updates about availibity at https://twitter.com/FLHealthLake. Lake County Government launched a website for scheduling vaccines at https://scheduling.lakecountyfl.gov. Lake County announces appointment availability on their website at www.lakecountyfl.gov/COVID-19. You can also be notified when appointments become available by texting COVIDUPDATE to 888777 to activate alerts to your phone. Businesses in the greater South Lake area are invited to schedule first and second vaccinations at their facilities through the Clermont Fire Department, learn more here.
How many coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are in Clermont?
A: The state no longer reports daily case numbers. They now report weekly case data at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/.
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
A: Click here for Lake County's latest testing center updates, including a testing locator tool. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests calling your state or local health department or a medical provider. The Florida Department of Health's Lake County Citizen Information Hotline is at 352-742-4830, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays; the state hotline is at 1-866-779-6121, or you can email your questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Click here for more information from the CDC on testing.
Important Resources
We continue to add to this list. Have a suggestion? Email info@clermontfl.org.
COVID-19 HEALTH INFORMATION
- Florida Department of Health: For state health information, visit www.floridahealth.gov/covid-19.
- The Lake County Citizen Information Hotline is available for vaccine questions at 352-801-2755 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
- The state hotline is available at all times at 1-866-779-6121, or you can email your questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
- For case details, including the number of cases by city, click here, scroll down and click "See the report."
- For an interactive dashboard of cases by county, click here.
- View the state's hospital capacity dashboard and search by county here.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): For U.S. health information, visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Visit the Coronavirus Rumor Control page at www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control.
- Agency for Healthcare Administration: View their COVID-19 alerts at https://ahca.myflorida.com/covid-19_alerts.shtml.
- World Health Organization: For worldwide health information, visit www.who.int/covid-19.
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
- City of Clermont: The latest city updates, FAQs, our Facebook posts and city news releases related to COVID-19 can be found on this page (www.ClermontFL.gov/coronavirus).
- City-specific questions can be directed to City Hall's main line at 352-394-4081, answered 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Media inquiries should be directed to the city's Public Information Office
- Lake County Government: For county information, visit www.LakeCountyFL.gov/COVID-19 or call their Citizens Information Line at 352-253-9999, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Lake County launched a Reopen Lake website with a public health recovery plan for residents, businesses and stakeholders at https://elevatelake.com/reopen.
- Lake County Schools: For county school information, visit www.lake.k12.fl.us or call their main line at 352-253-6500.
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: For the latest updates on actions taken by the governor, visit https://www.flgov.com. To view all COVID-19 Executive Orders, visit https://www.flgov.com/covid-19-executive-orders/.
- Florida Division of Emergency Management: For the latest information, visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/.
- The White House: For federal government information, visit www.whitehouse.gov.
ASSISTANCE
For individuals:
- OUR Florida: Florida's federally funded emergency assistance relief program for residents and businesses to pay utilities and rent. Apply at www.ourflorida.com.
- 211: For assistance finding food, paying housing bills or other essential services, or to offer help, call 211 or visit https://www.211.org/get-help/help-during-covid-19-pandemic.
- Local Food Assistance: For help finding local food pantries, search by zipcode at www.foodpantries.org. We've also compiled a list of Clermont-area food resources here.
- Elevate Lake Economic Development: For the latest local reemployment and business resources, visit www.elevatelake.com/COVID-19.
- Career Source Central Florida: For career seekers and employers; providing virtual options and additional resources during COVID-19 at www.careersourcecentralflorida.com.
- Employ Florida: Search for job openings by keyword and/or zipcode at www.employflorida.com.
- Florida Department of Economic Opportunity: For reemployment assistance, visit http://www.floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center.
- Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida: For legal assistance, including with evictions, call 1-800-405-1417 or visit www.clsmf.org.
- National Center for Disaster Fraud: To report concerns regarding hoarding and price gouging, call their hotline at 866-720-5721.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: For information on federal assistance, visit www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help. For COVID-19 funeral assistance from FEMA, visit here.
- How to Donate Plasma: If you have fully recovered from COVID-19 you may be able to help patients currently fighting the infection. More information and how to donate here.
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES): Individuals and businesses may apply for assistance through Lake County's CARES Act page here.
- Duke Energy: Duke Energy will resume regular business on Sept. 1. See Duke Energy's response to COVID-19 here.
For businesses and organizations:
- Elevate Lake Economic Development: For the latest local business and reemployment resources, visit www.elevatelake.com/COVID-19. Lake County launched a Reopen Lake website with a public health recovery plan for residents, businesses and stakeholders at https://elevatelake.com/reopen.
- Lake Support and Emergency Recovery (LASER): LASER is providing cloth face coverings to Lake County businesses in need. Email LASER at nicole@laserfl.com. They ask for a donation of one dollar per face mask to offset material expensed at laserfl.com.
- South Lake Chamber of Commerce: For small business resources and available local takeout/delivery options, visit www.southlakechamber-fl.com/south-lake-strong. Their business resources are at www.southlakechamber-fl.com/covid-19-business-resources-information.
- Florida Division of Emergency Management:
- Find business resources at www.floridadisaster.biz/, including the business damage assessment survey and supporting assistance for business and workforce, such as Reemployment Assistance and the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
- Guidance on essential services and a waiver can be found at www.floridadisaster.org, specifically at www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/governor-essential-services.pdf.
- Volunteer Connect: For a virtual board to advertise volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteerflorida.org.
- Considerations for Restaurants and Bars: From the CDC, read here.
City of Clermont Facebook Page
City News Releases
A Message from Clermont City Manager Darren Gray: Phase 2 of Reopening Starts June 5
CLERMONT (June 4, 2020) – Clermont City Manager Darren Gray would like to share the following
message:
Dear Clermont community,
Phase 2 of the city’s reopening plan will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Fri., June 5, in conjunction with the state’s Phase 2.
While we are excited to reopen additional public facilities and to be able to patronize more Clermont
businesses, we urge our community to continue slowing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19); practice social distancing, wear a cloth face covering when appropriate and follow all other guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
We thank you for your efforts and commend you for your Champion spirit during these challenging times.
Here is a closer look at the reopening plans.
Clermont’s Phase 2: Additional Parks, Amenities and Services
With the support of the council, we devised a phased city plan based on the governor’s plan to reopen Florida. Phase 2 begins June 5.
City Park Openings
- Waterfront Park’s beach, playgrounds, basketball courts and pavilions reopen with reduced seating.
- Playgrounds in parks reopen.
- Basketball courts reopen.
- Ballfields reopen with limited capacity of 50 per field; bleachers will be blocked off and spectators must bring their own seating.
- Senior softball league resumes.
- Parks go back to regular hours.
- Shuffleboard courts at the Kehlor Recreation Center will reopen with reduced capacity.
- Lake County Rowing Association will resume operations at the Clermont Boathouse with capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines.
- The Clermont Historic Village will resume operations with capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines.
- City contractual recreation programs operating in parks will resume with capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines.
City Services and Facilities
- Staff continue to keep services running smoothly online and by phone at 352-394-4081 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- City Hall will open in a limited capacity: The public entrance to Utility Billing, Building Services and Planning & Development Services will be limited. All other departments and floors will be accessible by appointment only. The lobby receptionist will assist with appointments.
Council Meetings
- Council meetings will return to being held in-person and will be located at the Clermont City Center, 620 W. Montrose St., to maintain social distancing.
Future City Openings
- Champions Splash Park will reopen June 15 with reduced capacity.
- The Clermont Pool at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center will open June 22 with reduced capacity.
- Clermont Arts and Recreation Center is closed with plans to open July 6 with modified opening and operations.
- Clermont City Center is closed with plans to reopen July 6 with modified opening and operations.
- Kehlor Recreation Center and all senior programs will reopen upon the governor’s announcing of Phase 3.
- Special events are prohibited until Phase 3.
Our staff continues to work diligently to keep services running smoothly and keep our citizens informed
through our COVID-19 webpage, www.ClermontFl.gov/coronavirus, as well as on the city’s Facebook
page, www.Facebook.com/CityOfClermont, and on our Nextdoor app page.
Florida’s Phase 2: Bars, Entertainment Businesses & More
Phase 2 of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s plan to reopen Florida also will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Fri., June 5.
The governor announced his plan in his June 3 executive order (https://bit.ly/3dqWHfP). Phase 2 applies to all counties in Florida except Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.
All Floridians are encouraged to follow appropriate social distancing and safety protocols issued by the CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Parameters (all with social distancing and sanitizing measures) include:
- Restaurants may allow bar-top seating.
- Bars and pubs may operate at 50% capacity inside and full capacity outside. Patrons may only receive services if seated.
- Retail establishments may operate at full capacity.
- Gyms may operate at full capacity.
- Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades, may operate at 50% capacity.
- Pari-mutuel facilities may submit a request to open that includes an endorsement from a county mayor or administrator to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- Personal services businesses, including but not limited to tattoo parlors, acupuncture establishments,
tanning salons and massage establishments may operate while adhering to guidance from the Florida
Department of Health.
Guidance
- Individuals over 65 or with underlying medical conditions are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- All individuals who work in long-term care facilities should be tested for COVID-19 on a routine basis.
- All people in Florida are encouraged to avoid congregating in groups larger than 50.
Additional information about Phases 1 and 2 can be found in the governor’s slideshow at https://bit.ly/371CWJg.
Thank you for continuing to be champions for slowing the spread of COVID-19 while we thoughtfully reopen
our city and state.
– City Manager Darren Gray
City of Clermont Waives Permit Fees for Restaurants Adding Outdoor Seating in May
CLERMONT (May 6, 2020) – The City of Clermont is waiving permit fees for restaurants adding temporary outdoor seating during the COVID-19 pandemic in May.
“As a business-friendly city, our restaurants may add temporary outdoor seating options without having to worry about a permit fee during this challenging time,” City Manager Darren Gray said. “We encourage restaurants to follow guidelines from the governor and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep employees and patrons safe as they reopen for dining with limited capacity.”
Businesses interested in adding outdoor seating of any kind should submit the following information to the City of Clermont’s Building Services Department at inspection@clermontfl.org:
- Site plan showing location of outdoor seating
- Size of tent (if applicable)
- Number of parking spaces to be used for outdoor seating
- Number of tables and number of chairs
Questions may be directed to permitting staff at 352-241-7315.
Governor DeSantis’s executive order detailing Phase 1 of reopening Florida went into effect May 4. It states that restaurants may offer outdoor seating with 6 feet of space between tables and indoor seating at 25% capacity. Retail can operate at 25% of indoor capacity. Bars, gyms and personal services such as hairdressers continue to remain closed to services and may continue to sell retail products.
Vulnerable individuals (those over 65 and those with serious underlying medical conditions) should avoid close contact with people outside the home. Face masks are recommended for everyone in face-to-face interactions and where you cannot social distance.
A Phase 1 FAQs list contains helpful information (https://bit.ly/3c3C0WN). In addition, the governor’s slideshow presentation on Phase 1 provides further insight (https://bit.ly/2ydBSoN).
For more information, visit the City of Clermont’s COVID-19 webpage, www.ClermontFL.gov/coronavirus, the city’s Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/CityOfClermont and our new Nextdoor app page.
A Message from Clermont Mayor Gail Ash:
Phase 1 of Reopening Begins
CLERMONT (May 4, 2020) – Clermont Mayor Gail Ash would like to share the following message:
Dear Clermont community,
We would like to update you regarding the reopening plans taking effect in our state, county and city.
We understand the excitement around the reopening of stores, restaurants and parks, as well as the need for our economy to begin to recover. However, we urge you to exercise caution and follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including practicing social distancing and wearing a cloth face covering in public. It is important that together we continue slowing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which has taken the lives of at least 13 Lake County residents and over 67,600 Americans.
Here is a closer look at the reopening plans for Florida, Lake County and Clermont.
Florida Begins Phase 1
Phase 1 of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s plan to reopen Florida took effect today, following the expiration of his stay-at-home order.
The governor announced his plan in his April 29 executive order (https://bit.ly/3d3V9b6). The plan to reopen Florida focuses on protecting the vulnerable, increasing testing, promoting social distancing, supporting hospitals and protecting healthcare workers, as well as preventing more cases from being introduced from outside of the state. The plan also supports eventually reaching the highest practicable level of business operation while maintaining public health and safety, so that all Floridians can return to work in a later phase and the economy can recover.
Phase 1 parameters include:
- Schools remain distance learning.
- Visits to senior living facilities are prohibited.
- Elective surgeries can resume.
- Restaurants may offer outdoor seating with 6 feet of space between tables and indoor seating at 25% capacity.
- Retail can operate at 25% of indoor capacity.
- Bars, gyms and personal services such as hairdressers continue to remain closed to services and may continue to sell retail products.
Phase 1 also gives the following cautions:
- Vulnerable individuals (those over 65 and those with serious underlying medical conditions) should avoid close contact with people outside the home.
- All individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distance from others.
- Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 in circumstances that do not readily allow for physical distancing.
- Face masks are recommended for all those in face-to-face interactions and where you cannot social distance.
The governor stated that Phase 1 does not need to take months, and the decision to move to the next phase will be based on key health metrics and guided by medical authorities.
A Phase 1 FAQs list contains helpful information (https://bit.ly/3c3C0WN). In addition, the governor’s slideshow presentation on Phase 1 provides further insight (https://bit.ly/2ydBSoN).
The governor also announced that Florida State Parks reopened today with limited access (https://bit.ly/2WmWZNq).
Lake County Announces Additional Guidance
On May 1, Lake County government announced additional COVID-19 protocol guidance in support of the governor’s reopen Florida order (https://bit.ly/LCEmergencyOrder).
Here are some key takeaways:
- The vulnerable (those 65 or older and those with underlying medical conditions) are strongly encouraged to stay home and to take all measures to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- Employers are encouraged to allow employees to work remotely if able, especially the vulnerable.
- Businesses’ employees and patrons must stay at least 6 feet apart; businesses must limit their occupancy to do so and must post signage reminders. If feasible, touchless hand sanitizer stations will be provided.
- Groups of people greater than 10 are not permitted to congregate in any space that does not readily allow for appropriate social distancing.
- All boaters using Lake County waterways shall comply with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s order requiring no more than 10 people per vessel and that a minimum of 50 feet be maintained between vessels.
- Religious services are considered essential activities. If seniors and those with underlying health conditions choose to attend religious services, they are advised they are putting themselves at risk of COVID-19.
Clermont Reopens Select Amenities
Under the council and my direction, City Manager Darren Gray has devised a phased city plan based on the governor’s plan to reopen Florida.
Here is Phase 1 of our plan regarding city services and buildings, as announced in April 29 news release (https://bit.ly/2WpAAPz):
- All city services currently being provided will continue online and by phone, including permitting and inspections.
- We will continue to answer questions and serve the public on the city’s main line at 352-394-4081 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- City council meetings will continue to be held via Zoom and broadcasted live on the city’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/CityofClermontGovernment. The public has several options to participate.
- The boat ramp and all city parks with select amenities reopened May 1. Park hours are from sunrise to sunset. All tennis courts and Champions Pointe Disc Golf Course Park are the only sports facilities to open. Rangers and police officers will patrol these areas to ensure the public is following guidelines from the governor and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart from others) and not gathering in groups of more than 10 people.
- All public restrooms remain closed until further notice.
- The beach at Waterfront Park remains closed, as well as Champions Splash Park, playgrounds, basketball courts, shuffleboard courts, ballfields and pavilions.
- All other city facilities also will stay closed to the public until further notice, including City Hall, Clermont City Center and the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, including the aquatics center and the Clermont Performing Arts Center.
We also have begun implementing a cautious approach to bring back employees who are still working remotely or on standby. Employees who will be reporting to work are instructed to continue social distancing, wearing masks when interacting with the public or as felt necessary between coworkers, and disinfecting and cleaning work areas.
Our staff has been working hard to keep city services running smoothly. We have been diligently communicating with local, state and federal authorities, taking all possible precautions, and educating the public on our COVID-19 webpage, www.ClermontFL.gov/coronavirus, as well as on the city’s Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/CityOfClermont, and on our new Nextdoor app page.
We are relying on our residents, businesses, staff and visitors to help make Phase 1 of reopening successful.
We ask that you continue to be champions for slowing the spread of this terrible virus while we cautiously transition into a new future.
Remember, we are here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
– Mayor Gail Ash
Clermont Mayor Announces Boat Ramp and Parks will Reopen May 1
CLERMONT (April 29, 2020) – Clermont Mayor Gail Ash would like to share the following message:
Hello to our Clermont community,
We hope you are staying healthy during these challenging times. We are in week four of the governor’s stay-at-home order, which expires Thurs., April 30.
After careful consideration and discussion with City Manager Darren Gray, we have decided to reopen the city’s boat ramp and all city parks with select amenities starting Fri., May 1. Tennis courts will be the only sports courts to reopen at this time. Park hours will be from sunrise to sunset.
Park rangers and police officers will patrol these areas to ensure the public is following guidelines from the governor and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart from others) and not gathering in groups of more than 10 people.
All public restrooms will remain closed until further notice. The beach at Waterfront Park will remain closed, as well as Champions Splash Park, playgrounds, basketball courts, shuffleboard courts, ballfields and pavilions. All other city facilities also will stay closed until further notice, such as City Hall, Clermont City Center and the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, including the aquatics center and the Clermont Performing Arts Center.
Our staff has been working hard to keep city services running smoothly online and by phone. We continue to answer questions on the city’s main line at 352-394-4081 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. City council meetings continue to be broadcasted live on the city’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/CityofClermontGovernment.
We have been diligently communicating with local and state authorities, taking all possible precautions, and educating the public on our COVID-19 webpage, www.ClermontFL.gov/coronavirus, as well as on the city’s Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/CityOfClermont, and on our new Nextdoor app page.
This is a strange time for all of us, but together, we will get through this. We ask that our community members continue to be champions for slowing the spread of this terrible disease, which has taken the lives of at least 10 Lake County residents and over 58,500 Americans.
We ask everyone to do their part by staying home whenever possible. When you must go out, we urge you to follow the CDC guidelines, including wearing a cloth face covering and practicing social distancing.
We are proud of our staff, residents, businesses and community for being champions and for stepping up to help each other during this difficult time.
Remember, we are here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
– Mayor Gail Ash
This news release can be found at https://www.clermontfl.gov/news/clermont-mayor-announces-boat-ramp-and-parks-will-reopen-may-1.stml.
City of Clermont Announces Closure of All City Facilities Following Governor’s Stay-At-Home Order
City Services Continue Online and By Phone
CLERMONT (April 3, 2020) – All City of Clermont facilities are closed through the end of the month.
Closures include all city buildings, parks, beaches and restrooms, as well as the boat ramp. The city made the decision following Gov. Ron DeSantis’s executive stay-at-home order April 1, effective April 3-30, unless extended; the governor permits cities to be more stringent.
“The City of Clermont is taking these measures out of an abundance of caution to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19),” City Manager Darren Gray said. “This is for the safety and well-being of our residents, staff and the community, and especially to protect those who are most vulnerable – the elderly and those with chronic illness.”
The city’s trails remain open.
“We encourage our able residents to continue staying active while practicing social distancing," Mayor Gail Ash said. "Essential recreational activities defined by the governor’s order include fishing, boating, hiking and biking."
All events and programs at city facilities are canceled until May 11, subject to change, as previously announced.
City services continue online or by phone, whenever possible.
Utility bills may be paid online; if needed, checks (no cash) may be dropped in the slot on the south side of City Hall, 685 W. Montrose St.
Permits may be submitted online. As an alternative, paper applications may be dropped off in the bin on the south side of City Hall.
Inspections are being completed by photo and video submissions.
Records requests and other clerk’s office requests are being processed online.
The city’s main line at 352-394-4081 is being answered from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, as usual.
In Clermont, 23 residents have tested positive as of the latest report from the Florida Department of Health, although it is not clear how many of them are in city limits versus unincorporated with a Clermont zip code. Eighty-two people in Lake County are reported to have the disease, including 75 residents and seven non-residents; two have died and 14 have been hospitalized. Four percent of the nation’s cases are in Florida, and 25 percent of the world’s cases are in the United States. Cases exceeded one million worldwide this week.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Based on what is currently known about this virus, spread from person to person happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet) via respiratory droplets, according to the CDC. When people must go out for essential services and activities, social distancing should be practiced to increase the space between people and decrease the frequency of contact between them.
This is a dynamic, changing situation. COVID-19 is an emerging respiratory disease and there is more to learn about its transmission, clinical course and the populations at increased risk of disease and complications, according to the CDC. Everyone can do their part to help plan, prepare and respond to this emerging public health threat. The latest updates on COVID-19 can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Updates, FAQs and resources are frequently being posted to the city’s COVID-19 webpage, www.ClermontFL.gov/coronavirus, Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/CityOfClermont, and Nextdoor page.
This news release can be viewed online at https://www.clermontfl.gov/news/city-of-clermont-announces-closure-of-all-city-facilities-following-governors-stay-at-home-order.stml.
City of Clermont Declares Local State of Emergency, Closes City Buildings in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
City Services Available Online and by Phone
CLERMONT (March 17, 2020) – The City of Clermont has declared a local state of emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Clermont Mayor Gail Ash signed the resolution today due to the serious health threat that COVID-19 poses to Clermont’s residents, visitors and the community. City Council unanimously approved the declaration today at an emergency council meeting in council chambers. The city’s decision followed Lake County’s emergency proclamation on March 16.
“We are taking every possible measure to ensure that the City of Clermont is slowing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,” Ash said. “Now is the time for our citizens to practice social distancing and limit their time in public, especially to protect the most vulnerable – the elderly and those with chronic illness.”
The city also announced today that it is closing all city buildings and select parks starting March 18 until March 30. The parks that will close are Bishop, Hancock, Lake Felter, Lake Hiawatha, McKinney, Palatlakaha and West. In addition, all events at city facilities are canceled until May 11 (eight weeks), as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These dates are subject to change.
City services will continue to be available by phone at 352-394-4081 and online at www.ClermontFL.gov whenever possible.
The World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern and has assessed COVID-19’s threat as very high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared COVID-19 as a high potential public health threat high in the U.S. and globally.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on March 1 declaring that appropriate measures are necessary to control the spread of COVID-19 and directed that a Public Health Emergency be declared in the state.
These formal actions ensure that the State of Florida, Lake County and City of Clermont can take any prudent action necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community.
The City of Clermont has been closely monitoring COVID-19 and has been in regular communication with state and local agencies.
For city updates and resources, visit the City of Clermont’s COVID-19 webpage, www.ClermontFL.gov/coronavirus and the City of Clermont Government Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CityOfClermont; Facebook posts can be viewed on the webpage.
City of Clermont Cancels City Events and Programs to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
CLERMONT (March 12, 2020) – Today, the City of Clermont announced that it is canceling all city-run events and programs through the end of March as a preventative measure against the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Canceled March city events include Friday Night at the Black Box, Clermont Cycle & Seek, Hotel California, Coffee with the Mayor and Movies Under the Stars. Programs include all senior activities, open gym, recreational programs at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center and more. The Kehlor Building and Champions Splash Park will be closed starting March 13. Stay tuned for future updates and visit www.ClermontFL.gov for the latest information.
“The City of Clermont is taking these measures out of an abundance of caution to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19),” City Manager Darren Gray said. “This is for the safety and well-being of our residents, staff and the community, and especially to protect those who are most vulnerable – the elderly and those with chronic illness.”
For these reasons, the city also is encouraging people to use its online services whenever possible, as opposed to coming in to city facilities, such as for utility billing payments, development services and clerk’s office requests.
The city is offering full refunds upon request for city-run events and programs until further notice. Private event renters who choose to cancel their city facility rentals will be offered a credit that will be good through the city’s fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2020.
The announcement comes on the heels of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recommendation today that all mass gatherings be postponed.
For the majority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus is thought to be low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There is not widespread circulation in most communities in the United States, the CDC said.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness, according to the CDC. People who are at higher risk are encouraged to avoid crowds as much as possible, according to the CDC.
Based on what is currently known about this virus, spread from person to person happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet) via respiratory droplets, according to the CDC. Social distancing strategies increase the space between people and decrease the frequency of contact between them to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
This is a dynamic, changing situation. COVID-19 is an emerging respiratory disease and there is more to learn about its transmission, clinical course and the populations at increased risk of disease and complications, according to the CDC. Everyone can do their part to help plan, prepare and respond to this emerging public health threat. The latest updates on COVID-19 can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
View the March 6 message from Mayor Gail Ash about preventative measures, resources and city actions taken, as well as a shareable flyer on prevention at https://www.clermontfl.gov/news/coronavirus-a-message-from-the-city-of-clermont.stml.
Coronavirus: A Message from City of Clermont Mayor Gail Ash
The City of Clermont is committed to your health and safety and takes all potential threats seriously.
Our focus, at this time, is on preventative measures, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds; if unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Dry hands with disposable paper towels or air dryers (not cloth hand towels).
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cough or sneeze into an elbow or use a tissue and place it immediately in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Facemasks are not necessary for the general public. They are needed by healthcare professionals and those who are sick.
- Some people may be at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions.
We urge you to follow the CDC’s information for travel and let your supervisor know if you have recently returned from any of the identified countries. The most reliable source of information for coronavirus is available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. Visit the site frequently for the latest updates.
The Florida Department of Health has set up a coronavirus hotline at 1-866-779-6121 and the email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
The city has taken several precautions and made thorough preparations, such as increasing cleaning schedules, installing additional hand sanitizer dispensers and informing our contractors not to send sick personnel to city facilities.
We are in frequent, close communication with county, state and national authorities and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
As always, please be cautious of possible phishing scams and of those seeking to profit from this.
Thank you for doing your part to help prevent the spread of illness.
--Mayor Gail L. Ash
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