Jacksonville-area coronavirus updates: State has 5 call centers to handle unemployment claims, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says

NORTHEAST FLORIDA, SOUTHEAST GEORGIA — More than 36,000 people in Florida and 28,600 people in Georgia have been infected with the new coronavirus, and the number of deaths from the outbreak continues to rise. Officials are attempting to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia as schools, businesses and public events are closed or canceled.

Action News Jax has the very latest information on Florida and Georgia cases of the coronavirus LIVE on FOX30 and CBS47. Click here to watch.

NOTE: As new information related to the coronavirus comes in regarding Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, we will update this story. Please read the entire article for the latest information from May 4.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: State has 5 call centers to handle unemployment claims

May 4, 12:30 p.m.: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis talked about the improvements that have been made to the state’s CONNECT unemployment website in the wake of massive issues many people have had in filing claims.

DeSantis said 72 servers have been added to boost capacity. The state also has five call centers to support those filing claims.

To watch DeSantis’ full Monday briefing, watch the video above.

Jacksonville mayor: No set time on ending work from home order

May 4, 12:30 p.m.: Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said on Monday during a news conference that there is no set time on ending his work from home order.

He was also asked if he has thought about extending the city’s stimulus program and said the immediate goal is to work through the current appointments scheduled and available funds the city has.

Watch Curry’s full Monday news conference below:

Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry gives COVID-19 update, 5/4/2020 Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry gives COVID-19 update, 5/4/2020

Antibody testing being offered to Northeast Florida residents

May 4, 9:20 a.m.: Telescope Health is providing testing for antibodies for Northeast Florida residents. Supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, residents who have gone 10 days without COVID-19 symptoms must consult with a Telescope Health provider to be screened for testing eligibility. Those who qualify, will undergo a serology test that detects the presence of COVID-19 antibodies, which provides insight into a person’s prior exposure to detect a resolved or active infection, health officials said.

Insured patients will receive coverage on serology testing and their virtual visit.

Residents can request testing through a virtual visit through the Telescope health app or online: www.telescopehealth.com.

Which businesses are reopening Monday? Where can I get tested for COVID-19?

May 4, 5:55 a.m.: Locally and statewide, restrictions are being lifted as part of Phase One of reopening Florida.

Florida restaurants may reopen with restrictions: As part of Phase One in reopening Florida, the dining rooms of restaurants are now allowed to reopen with restrictions in place. Dining rooms can be open for 25% capacity and outdoor seating must have 6 feet between tables.
Jacksonville-area malls will reopen: The St. Johns Town Center, the Avenues Mall, and the St. Augustine Premium Outlets will reopen today with restrictions in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some of those protocols include preemptive employee screening, employees maintaining social distancing and wearing PPE, and limiting the amount of people inside. Play area, drinking fountains, stroller stations will be closed. Food court seating will be limited and spaced.
Extended hours at Jacksonville beaches: Mayor Lenny Curry announced that Duval County beaches will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting today but restrictions on allowed activities are still in full effect. Read more here.

St. Johns County beaches fully open St. Johns County beaches fully open

Hotels reopening: Hotels are now able to allow any guests to stay at their hotel for the first time since the pandemic. More than a month ago, Mayor Lenny Curry stopped hotels from renting rooms to non-essential guests. Vacation rentals like Airbnb are still prohibited.
Clay County resident only coronavirus testing: Starting today, Clay County residents can be tested for the coronavirus in Keystone Heights at Little Rain Lake Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The tests are free and by appointment only and you will be turned away if you do not have an appointment. To make an appointment, call 877-252-9362. Click here for other testing sites in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.