During a press conference on Monday local health officials said Santa Rosa County’s positivity rate for COVID-19 is “very high” at nearly 30 percent – or almost 2.5 times the current state average of 12.52.
“We do think the holidays played a part of that,” said County Health Department Director Sandra Park-O’Hara, who stressed the importance of staying home when sick and practicing social distancing. Park-O’Hara said that of Florida’s 67 counties Santa Rosa’s positivity rate is “one of the higher” ones.
The purpose of the conference was to announce the county’s plans for distribution of 2,800 Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations.
Justin Labrato, Chief Operations Officer for Ascension Sacred Heart, which will facilitate administration of mass vaccination clinics in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties, said 1,000 vaccinations are planned Wednesday at Milton Community Center and another 1,000 at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.
“We’re working on a location for South Santa Rosa,” Baker said.
Currently, in accordance with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order for prioritizing vaccine distribution to healthcare workers and the elderly, vaccines will only be provided to those 65 years and older or healthcare works not associated with a hospital system.
No walk-in appointments will be taken. To schedule an appointment call 850-983-INFO (4636).
Although during the press conference it was stated that an online link for vaccination scheduling would be available Monday, an Ascension spokesman stated online registration was not yet available.
