City of Jacksonville Launches Coronavirus Information Portal

The city’s Emergency Preparedness Division, also known as JAXREADY, has launched a new section on its website to keep residents up to date on relevant news and facts regarding the ongoing global outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The website, accessible at http://jaxready.com/virus, features information about the virus, including its symptoms and ways to prevent its spread. It also features daily updates regarding statewide cases and any precautionary measures from the city. JAXREADY will be closely monitoring the virus and will provide routine updates both on the new portal and on the city’s social media accounts.

“The health and safety of Jacksonville citizens is my top priority,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “As we address the potential impacts of coronavirus on our community, it is important that citizens receive timely and accurate information to ensure they are prepared. This webpage will contain important updates and information from our emergency management team; local, state and federal partners; and other key stakeholders that we have been working with since late January.”

Since emerging in China late last year, over 95,000 cases of COVID-19 and over 3,200 deaths have been reported worldwide; over 51,000 are reported to have recovered. There are currently over 110 active cases in the U.S., most of which have been centered around Washington and California.

The state of Florida also has a portal dedicated to COVID-19 at http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/.

There are currently two confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Florida, as well as one presumptive positive test awaiting CDC confirmation. 16 tests are still pending initial results, and 24 have tested negative. 247 people are under public health monitoring in relation to the virus.

The city’s portal emphasizes that the risk of individuals being infected is directly related to their exposure to it; therefore, with no confirmed cases in Duval County, the Jacksonville area is still currently deemed low-risk.