Dear Employee:
Over the past week, there has been a laser-like focus on outlining a measured approach to restarting the local economy from the
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
.
As I have mentioned previously, this is a huge endeavor I do not take lightly. This is why I formed the
Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force
, which met for the first time earlier this week. Members are in charge of developing a safe and sensible way to reopen the County in strategic phases.
Five workgroups within the overall Task Force will focus on various aspects of economic recovery, including business readiness, health monitoring and business compliance. The next Task Force meeting will be April 28, 2020 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For questions or information on the Task Force, contact
EconomicRecovery@ocfl.net
or visit
www.ocfl.net/EconomicRecovery
.
I encourage you to watch our news conferences and visit the
COVID-19 Employee Resource page
for the latest updates and information related to the pandemic.
Equally important is making sure Orange County Government transitions back to normal business operations. An internal task force was also created to provide guidance on how we can do this in the safest way possible for both employees and residents. Our approach will be similar in nature using clearly defined phases.
CHILD CARE
Another area of concern is child care, especially for our employees.
Many of you play a vital role in serving our community during this unprecedented time, and we cannot thank you enough for everything you do to keep our residents safe. The Early Learning Coalition has partnered with the State of Florida to provide discounted child care options for first responders. This program defines first responders in a broad manner, which is listed below. This means a large portion of you may qualify.
- Fire Rescue and Search and Rescue;
- Corrections;
- Health Services: Corrections Health Services, Office of the Medical Director;
- Medical Clinic;
- Family Services - Mental Health;
- Office of Emergency Management;
- Employees who maintain or supply equipment and services supporting law enforcement emergency service and response operations (including electronic security and life safety security personnel); and/or
- Employees who respond to the abuse and neglect of children, elders, and dependent adults.
If you are in need of child care, please review the program details on the
COVID-19 OrangeNet page
to see if this is a viable option for you.
NEW WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Additionally, the health and wellness of our employees continues to be a top priority. Without YOU, our ability to provide the best service and care possible to residents and visitors alike would not be possible. During this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board approved the establishment of a new multi-year,
points-driven health and wellness incentive program
– myOCWellness.
This new initiative is designed to better engage employees and/or their spouses when it comes to health and well-being, while also fostering a culture in which being healthy is promoted, encouraged and rewarded. Ultimately, employees who are on the County’s Cigna medical benefits plan and meet the requirements of the program will receive a reduction
toward 2021 Cigna medical insurance premiums per pay period. For more information, visit the
myOCWellness OrangeNet page
. If you have any questions, email
wellness@ocfl.net
.
THANK YOU
I continue to be extremely proud of Orange County employees and your resilience over the past several weeks. It has not been easy, but you have all done a wonderful job in implementing social distancing practices, while also ensuring residents have access to essential services, and receive the best care and customer service possible. We are so fortunate to have you as part of the Orange County family, and I hope you know how much your commitment and support are appreciated.
