The City’s Charter requires the reevaluation of any local emergency at least once a week, and upon consultation with Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch and City Attorney Bob Fournier, the local public health emergency has been extended through April 17.

We continue to be particularly concerned about the unsheltered and the spread of COVID-19 as we’re observing clusters of individuals, who now group together waiting outdoors for feedings.  For the health and safety of these individuals and the greater community, we’re working to minimize the aggregation and remind the unsheltered about the critical need for social distancing. 

Since the local public health emergency was declared on March 13, the City has been in discussions with Sarasota County and the local health department about options to assist the homeless population with personal hygiene and meals since nearly every facility they relied on is now closed. Early on, the unsheltered became less visible as, we believe, they retreated from the urban core into makeshift camps. But, as the weeks go by, many are coming out for food handouts and the number of homeless appears to be approximately 100 total spread out in four different places.

Even during the pandemic, our Homeless Outreach Teams continue to do their excellent work educating and encouraging individuals – and now are also distributing hand sanitizer to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. At this time, the health emergency has not reduced our case workers’ ability to pair the unsheltered with available social services. This past week, six individuals were housed and our case managers expect several more to be placed this week. 
 
While we await action from the County, which has the means, staffing and grant dollars to facilitate at least a temporary solution to provide the unsheltered a safe, clean place to eat, wash up and help slow the spread of COVID-19, the City is now taking necessary additional measures and has ordered temporary port-o-lets and hand stations for several locations.

For the uninsured who do not have a physician and are concerned they may be exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, they should call the local Sarasota Health Department hotline: 941-861-2883. An operator will connect them with a nurse team for a screening to determine if the caller meets the criteria for a test. If so, an appointment will be scheduled at a drive thru testing site.

During the City Commission workshop this week, concern was expressed about possible undocumented residents who may contract COVID-19 but out of fear may not seek medical attention. Following the meeting, the City received confirmation from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that on March 18 it adjusted its enforcement policy. It will not carry out enforcement at or near hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, or any healthcare facilities. In a statement, ICE emphasized that individuals should not avoid seeking medical care because they fear civil immigration enforcement. 

It comes as no surprise, and no less appreciated, that the philanthropic foundations and social services agencies in our community have responded quickly to the growing need for food and funds for those unexpectedly unemployed. Some of the key service providers are listed below in Weekly Briefs. Please note: While many organizations are offering services to those in need, some agencies are in need themselves --- for volunteers.