DAYTONA BIKE WEEK MAY BE TIED TO CASE OF CORONAVIRUS

)Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

Through an extensive, ongoing epidemiological investigation, the Florida Department of Health has identified a positive COVID-19 case that may be associated with Daytona Bike Week 2020.  The 63-year-old man, a New York resident, is currently in isolation in St. Johns County and will remain there until medically cleared.

The popular event is currently underway until March 15 and draws an estimated 500,000 people from across the country.  

The Department recommends all individuals experiencing symptoms who attended this event to immediately call their County Health Department or health care provider and self-isolate for 14 Days.   Although the mortality rate is at least ten times that of the flu, most people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, respiratory issues,  heart problems and diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness.

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COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure.The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The Department recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
• Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons 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, and after coughing or sneezing;
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% 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.
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A vaccine to prevent COVID-19 is not expected to be available for another 12 to 18 months. 

​For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here.  Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.  ​​​​