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Greetings!

I know that, like me and my agents, you have concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it impacts your life. I have gathered information that I hope will be helpful. As we're all aware, this is a rapidly evolving situation, so the information below may change or be incomplete. Be sure to check with the agency or organization for updates.

And since it's MARCH, I've also included some tips that I hope will be helpful as we welcome spring this month.

Above: I was honored to be part of the South Lake Black Achievers' annual banquet and awards ceremony in February. Pictured from left to right: City Manager Darren Gray, Mayor Gail Ash, me, Clermont Police Chief Chuck Broadway, Clermont Council Member Heidi Brishke and Clermont Police Officer David Colon.

I also was honored to be named as a finalist for USA Triathlon's Anne Viviani Women's Great Grand Masters Duathlete of the Year. It was especially touching since I was a good friend of Anne Viviani for whom the award was named. You can read the story HERE .

Stay safe and healthy,
Diane Travis, Owner and Broker
CORONAVIRUS NEWS FOR CLERMONT RESIDENTS

CITY GOVERNMENT -- The City of Clermont has cancelled all city-run events and programs through the end of March.
  • Canceled Events: Friday Night at the Black Box, Clermont Cycle & Seek, Hotel California, Coffee with the Mayor and Movies Under the Stars.
  • Canceled Programs: All senior activities, open gym, recreational programs at the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center and more. The Kehlor Building and Champions Splash Park are closed. Check future updates at www.ClermontFL.gov.
  • Refunds: The city is offering full refunds upon request for canceled city-run events and programs until further notice.
  • Online Services: The city is encouraging the public to use its online services when possible. Examples: Utility billing payments, development services and public records request.

SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL --
  • Visitation at South Lake Hospital's SkyTop View rehabilitation center has been discontinued. The hospital will arrange for patients to use electronic communication methods to visit with family members and friends. 
  • South Lake Hospital and other Orlando Health hospitals have issued the following visitation alert: Due to concerns about COVID-19, verbal screenings are conducted with all visitors. The hospital requests that visitors do not come if they have any of the following: 1) Fever greater than 100.4F, 2) cough or shortness of breath, 3) recent pneumonia or flu, 4) traveled internationally or on a cruise ship within 14 days, 5) come into contact with anyone in the last 14 days who has a confirmed case or is under investigation for COVID-19.
  • Updated labor & delivery policy: Visitation will be limited to adults 18 & older in the labor & delivery area. Patients are allowed only 2 visitors (same 2) during their stay.

CLERMONT BUSINESSES --
This is an especially turbulent time for our business community. The South Lake Chamber is providing information on its website www.southlakechamber-fl.com to support businesses and consumers. The federal government is working on ways to help employers and employees affected by the coronavirus. Here are some ways we can support local businesses:
  • Order online.
  • Buy gift certificates online for a future purchase.
  • Give them a shout out or positive review on social media.
  • Like their posts on social media.

REAL ESTATE --
Spring is a time when many people think about buying or selling their homes, anticipating moving before the next school year begins. With rates coming down, some will see it as an ideal time. Some may have concerns associated with the coronavirus. Here is a LINK to a discussion with suggestions from the National Association of Realtors.
KEEP READING BELOW THE FEATURED LISTINGS FOR MORE UPDATES AND GUIDELINES
FROM THE COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
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Clermont
LAKE COUNTY --
  • All jury selection proceedings, civil and criminal trials are temporarily suspended through March 27.
  • On Feb. 20, the County formed a task force to monitor COVID-19 and make recommendations.
  • All county-sponsored events are cancelled through the end of March. For more details on the events, visit this LINK.
  • Libraries, including Cooper Memorial, have cancelled their March events. BUT consider using the book-by-mail or ebooks options! LEARN MORE.
  • Lake County schools are closed through March 30. FSA testing is delayed by at least 2 weeks. All sporting events & extra-curricular activities are canceled during the closure.

STATE OF FLORIDA --
Heavy stuff for our newsletter, right?
But I'm certain that the Clermont community will pull together and pull through like the city that's the Choice of Champions always does.
Below are some tips from experts about coping with the concerns about the coronavirus. And because one of the things you may be doing during this time is spring cleaning, we are including tips for that as well.

COPING WITH STRESS OR ANXIETY RELATED TO THE CORONAVIRUS
According to the Harvard Medical School --
  • Stay connected with friends and loved ones through video chats, phone calls, emails or texts.
  • Get your information from reliable sources.
  • Check credible sources in the morning and briefly throughout the day. But don't stay plugged in nonstop.
  • Take the practical steps recommended by the CDC, such as washing hands often, avoiding unnecessary travel and crowds as well as keeping your hands away from your face.
  • Try tried-and-true ways to relax, such as yoga, meditation or controlled breathing. MORE.

Some Clermont residents are helping each other through Facebook or NextDoor, a neighborhood social media. One resident, for instance, led a discussion on how people were passing the time while they were hunkered down, which led to some great suggestions for binge-watching.

SPRING CLEANING
It's also a traditional time for spring cleaning around your house or office. This can not only serve to help reduce the chance for illness, it also is a constructive way to pass the time. Here are some tips from the pros at "Good Housekeeping" magazine:
  • Clean and double up on doormats -- one for outside and one for inside the door.
  • Clean windows on a cloudy day or start on the shady side of the house to avoid streaks.
  • Clean your microwave with this tip: Place a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar. Turn the microwave on high for several minutes or until the window is steamy. Let it cool for 15 minutes then wipe out the inside with a sponge.
  • Plastic or vinyl shower curtains can look good as new. Throw them in the washing machine on gentle cycle with detergent and a couple of towels. Then HANG THE CURTAIN to dry.