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Panama City Beach Chamber Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Panama City Beach Chamber Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Monday, August 8, 2021 (11:55AM Central Time) – The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce created this page to share updates with our members, residents, and visitors. Please note: This is for informational purposes only. Please listen to all Federal, State, and local agencies for official updates and recommendations. Information is subject to change.

We encourage members to do business with other members.  Support local businesses by shopping local, ordering local, or buying gift cards from local businesses. For a list of businesses in Bay County, please visit our membership directory.

Governor Ron DeSantis Suspends All Remaining COVID Restrictions.
May 5, 2021 Governor Ron DeSantis suspended all remaining COVID restrictions. He signed 2 executive orders to protect individual liberties. These ban Vaccine Passports, prohibits indefinite lockdowns, ends local restrictions on small businesses, and bolsters emergency preparedness for future public health emergencies. To view the executive orders click here.

Governor Ron DeSantis Rolled Out Phase 3 of the Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step Plan.
September 25th, 2020 Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s move into Phase 3 of his Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Details can be found here starting on page 27.  It is important to note that we should all continue to social distance, protect, and help those that are part of the vulnerable population.
• Text FLCOVID19 to 888777 to receive Florida COVID-19 updates.

Short Term Rental Status:
Short Term Rentals in Bay County, Florida is open and are welcoming guest bookings, following the approval of the Bay County safety plan by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations.

PLEASE NOTE: Vacation rental reservations and stays are allowed from all U.S. states with a COVID-19 case rate less than: 500 Active cases/100,000 residents, or 750 Total cases/100,000 residents.  Click here for your state info.

City of Panama City Beach:
• Bars are open as of September 14th, 2020
• Panama City Beach Library reopened September 8th, 2020
• City recreational sports fields are open
• The Community Center at Lyndell Center is open with restrictions
• View our beautiful LIVE BEACH CAMS: pcbeach.org/live-beach-webcams/

Unincorporated Bay County:
• Sandy beaches are open all day

Bay County School District:
• All Bay District Schools are open as of August 20th, 2020

Resources:
Find CDC information on resources for large community events & mass gatherings here.  All Panama City Beach Chamber events will adhere to their guidelines.

Resources to help keep you up to date on Covid-19.  A new website has been created by in partnership by Bay County and FDOH to have more information available.  bayhealthcovid19.com.  You can follow DOH Bay on Nextdoor.com.  Text Bay Health to 888777. For self-screening tools and up to date information on the State level visit floridahealthcovid19.gov. The number for DOH Bay is (850) 872-4455.  The number for Pancare is (850) 215-4181. State of Florida Health Department information with list of confirmed cases: floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/. Bay County Health Department with local updates: bay.floridahealth.gov

Disease prevention:
• If you are 65 or older or have underlying health conditions please stay home.
• Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you cough or sneeze, do it into your sleeve or use a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately into a closed rubbish bin, and then clean your hands.
• Clean surfaces regularly with disinfectant. For example: Always clean kitchen benches and work desks.

If you feel unwell:
• Avoid traveling if you have a fever and/or cough.
• Once you get home, make contact with a health professional and tell them about where you have been.
• If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your healthcare provider.

Managing rising anxiety or stigma:
We know that your communities may be feeling anxious, stressed or frightened. Here are some important things to take into account and share:
• It’s normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Talking to people you trust can help, like friends, family or your fellow community members.

• If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet, sleep, exercise. Keep up with loved ones at home by email and phone and connect with your larger Facebook community for support.
• Don’t use smoking, alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions.
• If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counselor. Have a plan on where to go to and how to seek help for physical and mental health needs if required.
• Get the facts. Gather information that will help you accurately determine your risk so that you can take reasonable precautions. Find a credible source you can trust such as the WHO website or a local or state public health agency.
• When posting in your communities, be sure to share the latest facts from credible sources, avoid hyperbole and show solidarity with affected people by opening your community up to the stories of people who have been affected by the virus. Of course, keep in mind to not share information about someone else’s health concerns (such as someone affected by COVID-19 without their permission).

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