The Florida Department of Health announced over the weekend that an 81-year-old Manatee County woman has tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus). In a release, the health department said that the woman had a history of travel outside the United States and that she is isolated—and will continue to remain in isolation—until she is cleared by public health officials. Her case is currently awaiting confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the state, 12 Florida have tested positive for coronavirus. Five Florida cases have been repatriated, which means that the U.S. state department coordinated the return of a person living in Florida to the United States; those people are in isolation at a federally designated site until they are declared healthy. There are 115 tests currently pending in the state, and 302 people currently being monitored. 

Both the state department of health and the CDC emphasize that everyday preventative actions can help prevent the spread of coronavirus and other respiratory infections. They include:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
• Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with people in poor health;
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue;
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty; and
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.