Coronavirus Tuesday update: Over 1,000 new Florida cases; Daytona police drone screens visitors; Tortugas opening day and more

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CASE-BY-CASE LIST FOR VOLUSIA AND FLAGLER COUNTIES: Tuesday 6 9.m., April 6

TODAY’S HEADLINES:

9:18 p.m.: DeBary man charged with aggravated assault after intentionally coughing on store employee

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a DeBary man Tuesday on a charge of aggravated assault after he intentionally coughed on a retail store employee, claiming social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic is “getting out of hand.”

7:05 p.m.: More than 1,000 new Florida cases; 10 in Volusia, 1 in Flagler

The Florida Department of Health reported 1,118 new coronavirus cases Tuesday, including 10 in Volusia County and one in Flagler County.

5:37 p.m.: CARES Act funds coronavirus screenings in West Volusia

Family Health Source, which runs health-care clinics in three parts of Volusia County, will receive nearly $800,000 to help fund coronavirus screening.

3:04 p.m.: Volusia/Flagler/St. Johns hospitals have adequate personal protective equipment for now; few employees test positive

While there are shortages of personal protective equipment for hospitals across the United States because of coronavirus, hospital officials in Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties say they are adequately supplied. For now.

1:29 p.m.: Coronavirus drone display: Daytona police show off aircraft with loudspeaker, heat detector

A drone soon will be screening visitors to the Daytona Beach Police Department checking to see if they have a fever as efforts continue to combat COVID-19, officials said on Tuesday.

12:04 p.m.: Daytona Tortugas opening day plans include mascot rides, national anthem from ballpark

The Daytona Tortugas announced Tuesday that they would celebrate what was supposed to be Opening Night on Thursday by hosting a “Safer At Home” night of solidarity.

11:47 a.m.: Coronavirus: Nearly 900 new Florida cases; 9 in Volusia, 1 in Flagler

The Florida Department of Health reported 875 new coronavirus cases Tuesday morning, including nine in Volusia County and one in Flagler County.

9:47 a.m.: Attorney General cracking down on COVID-19 ‘essential commodities’ price gouging

Thinking of inflating prices to sell protective gowns, gloves, hand sanitizer or cleaning supplies during Florida’s COVID-19 state of emergency? Think again, says Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.

6:44 p.m.: Volusia County Council dials in remotely in unprecedented meeting

Tuesday’s Volusia County Council meeting started out a little stilted when, for the first time, council members joined remotely and the meeting, because of the coronavirus pandemic, was held without an audience open to the public.

9:24 a.m.: Cellphone towers attacked as conspiracy theory connecting 5G and coronavirus gains steam

An attack on cellphone towers in the United Kingdom over the weekend comes as conspiracy theory connecting 5G to the spread of coronavirus continue to gain momentum on social media.

Important numbers as of Tuesday evening:

Number of positive tests in Florida: 14,747

Number of Florida residents who have tested positive: 14,304

Non-Florida residents who have tested positive in Florida: 445

Number of deaths in Florida: 296

Total number of people tested in Florida: 139,669

Number of positive coronavirus cases in the United States: 387,547

Number of deaths in the United States: 12,291

Number of positive cases globally: 1,414,738

Number of deaths globally: 81,259

*Source: Florida Department of Health

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Nationwide:

COVID-19 Q&A

Q. What’s going on, generally?

After originating in China late last year, the coronavirus has spread globally and now locally.

The first case of the virus in the United States was reported in January 2020. Since then, 60 presumptive positive cases have been reported in Volusia County and thirteen in Flagler, based on the latest data from the Florida Department of Health.

Q. How do you get coronavirus?

Like the common cold and the flu, coronavirus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets, according to the CDC.

Coronavirus is spreading rapidly from person to person, and scientists are still learning more about how coronavirus spreads.

There's no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through food, according to the CDC.

It is, however, possible that a person can get the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own face. There is likely a very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks, according to the CDC.

Q. What are the symptoms of coronavirus

The most common symptoms resemble the flu and include fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some people also develop aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some people don't have any symptoms at all.

About 1 in 6 people become seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing, according to the World Health Organization. If you experience fever, cough and shortness of breath, call your doctor.

Q. Do Ineed a facemask to prepare for coronavirus?

The CDC now says you may want to wear a face mask when going out in public, to help reduce the chances of spreading or catching the virus, although they stress that social distancing is more important and surgical masks and N95 respirators should be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. Otherwise, take typical flu-season precautions:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Don't touch your eyes, nose and mouth

Cover your cough

Stay home when sick

Clean household objects and surfaces

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds

COVID-19 TESTING Q&A

Q: Are local tests available?

Health Department Administrator Patricia Boswell said that as of Sunday, the health department was going out to individuals who, according to CDC guidelines, are considered high risk of having contracted the virus, conducting the test and sending the specimen to Jacksonville. When available, family doctors and health providers will be able to order the test via commercial labs for those who do not meet the criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Q: Where do I go if I want to be tested?

If you are sick and exhibiting symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), you should seek treatment with your primary care physician or urgent care center. Physicians are stringently adhering to the testing criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine if a patient qualifies for a COVID-19 test. A doctor will likely test you for other illnesses, such as the flu, before ordering a COVID-19 test.”

Q: Should I go to the ER if I think I need a COVID-19 test?

Unless you are experiencing severe respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, you should not go to an ER for a COVID-19 test. Physicians can take a collection sample from patients who meet the testing criteria as set by CDC. The emergency department should be used only by those having a medical emergency, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

Q: What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19?

If you have travelled internationally or been on a cruise, you should self-quarantine for 14 days immediately upon returning from your travels, even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms. If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath during those 14 days, contact your physician and disclose your travel history. Your physician will advise you of next steps. If you are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, go to the ER.

Q: Can I get a coronavirus test if I am not sick?

No. If you’re not sick, it’s unlikely that you have COVID-19. Currently all tests are designated for those who are exhibiting symptoms and meet the testing criteria set by the CDC.

Q: I have a fever and cough. Will I be automatically tested for COVID-19?

No. Fever and cough are common symptoms for other illnesses, including the flu. Physicians will evaluate your symptoms, travel history, potential for exposure and other factors and determine if a test is appropriate. They will also test you for other viruses, including the flu.

Q: How can I be tested?

A physician must order a COVID-19 test, and will only order a test if the patient meets the testing criteria as defined by the CDC.

Q: Where can I be tested?

A physician must order a COVID-19 test. If a doctor deems it appropriate to test you for COVID-19, the sample would be collected in the physician’s office. The test itself is conducted through an AdventHealth lab. (This lab is not the same as the consumer-facing labs where patients go for outpatient bloodwork.)

Q: Are the results instantaneous?

No. Unlike a flu test, which can be administered on-site with quick results, the COVID-19 test takes up to seven days from the time of collection sample to results being shared with the patient. During that time, patients will be instructed to follow CDC guidelines and isolate themselves.

Q: When would I get results from a test?

Up to seven days after administration of the test.

Q: Do hospitals share results with the Florida Department of Health?

Yes. AdventHealth will share positive COVID-19 test results with the Florida Department of Health as required by regulation.

Q: I still have questions about COVID-19 testing. Whom can I call?

Call the AdventHealth’s Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUSHQ or visit CoronavirusSignsAndSymptoms.com.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal’s Casmira Harrison and the Associated Press contributed to this USA TODAY Network report.