TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Monday amid the coronavirus outbreak.
DeSantis said the declaration will bring the state funds that would help Florida mobilize resources more effectively. Two people have died in Florida out of the 18 residents health officials say have tested positive for coronavirus.
Of the 18 Floridians testing positive, 12 were diagnosed in Florida and five were diagnosed in another state, according to the Health Department. In addition a California resident, now under self-isolation in Florida, has tested positive.
Health officials across the country were quickly trying to contain the spread of the virus. In Florida, worries rose over how panic could play out in a state that is a destination for millions of visitors from overseas. Already, there is concern about how the virus could affect amusement parks such as Disney World in Orlando, one of the country's most visited attractions. Cruise lines are also already being impacted.
In particular, the Health Department is suggesting that anyone who traveled last month on cruise ships on the Nile River in Egypt self-isolate because some passengers have tested positive with the novel strain of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Florida's largest grocery chain, Publix, began limiting sales of some merchandise, including hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, face masks and other products.
A Publix spokeswoman, Maria Brous, said the decision was “due to the increase in demand over health concerns from the coronavirus.”
The chain has more than 800 stores in Florida and more than 400 elsewhere from Alabama to Virginia.
On Monday, Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva acknowledged the threat from a new virus to the Florida economy, as he opened what could be the final week of this year's legislative session.
"We may be facing a very real challenge here. The coronavirus, while it had a rather minute effect on us, the panic surrounding it has had a real affect," he told his chamber Monday morning.
The virus has already influenced the conversations in Florida's Capitol, where budget negotiators have vowed to include a $25 million appropriation request from Gov. Ron DeSantis to help the state respond to the growing crisis.
The governor's schedule Monday was expected to be dominated by COVID-19. The governor was to again speak with Vice President Mike Spence, who President Trump has appointed to lead the national effort against the disease. He was also expected to meet with reporters Monday afternoon, where he is sure to be asked about the state's response to the health threat.
Florida health officials say anyone who has a fever, shortness of breath and other symptoms of respiratory illness within 14 days of traveling to some of the most affected areas, such as China, Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan, should inform their doctor and local health department. The same advisory applies to people who have been in close contact with anyone who recently traveled to severely impacted countries who show symptoms.
People who are asked to self-quarantine should remain home. Health officials say they should not go to work or school or at any other gatherings until 14 days after returning from foreign travel. If any symptoms develop, they should alert a doctor and health officials.