The Sarasota County Health Department has established a COVID-19 (coronavirus) call center for residents who believe they may have contracted the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who have a higher risk of getting the infection are those showing symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath; those who have been in contact with a person known to have COVID-19; and those who have traveled to a country or area with widespread cases of COVID-19. 

Sarasota County residents who believe they may have COVID-19 are asked to call the Sarasota COVID-19 call center before visiting health care providers. The COVID-19 call center number  is (941) 861-2883; experts are on duty 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) runs a similar hotline that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; it can be reached at (866) 779-6121. More information can also be found on the Florida DOH website here.

• Washing hands often with soap and water;
• Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze;
• Coughing or sneezing into your upper sleeve or elbow (not your hands) if a tissue is not available;
• Trying not to touch your face with unwashed hands;
• Frequently cleaning and disinfecting touched surfaces;
• Not touching or shaking hands with people who are sick; and
• Staying home when you're sick and keeping your children home when they're sick