From the Orange County Newsroom
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings provided an update on COVID-19, vaccinations, hiring needs, assistance and more this afternoon at the bi-weekly news briefing.
Due to the increased availability of the vaccine, The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is hiring nurses and support staff. Be part of the vaccination efforts in our community. Submit an application at the Department of Health’s webpage.
All providers administering any COVID-19 vaccine are now able to vaccinate the following population:
In addition, as a directive from President Biden, all states will open up vaccination edibility to all educators and school staff, regardless of age. Governor DeSantis will issue an Executive Order soon and some pharmacies are now administering to all teachers.
Residents who are 65 and older who do not have a way to transport themselves to the Convention Center site or the FEMA site can call 3-1-1 to find out how to qualify for a ride. 3-1-1 will coordinate with the Office of Emergency Management in Orange County to find free transportation options, courtesy of LYNX.
LYNX needs at least two-day prior notice (before 5 p.m.) to schedule a ride. Since the Orange County’s Office of Emergency Management does not operate on weekends, any ride needed for a Saturday or Monday, must be made the prior Friday at the latest during regular business hours.
To qualify for a ride to the Convention Center, the senior must be able to prove they have a valid vaccination appointment. A family member or caregiver may also ride along.
To qualify for a ride to the FEMA site where no appointments are necessary, the senior must still give 48 hours’ notice so LNYX can prepare for the ride.
If you live outside Orange County, 3-1-1 can be accessed by calling 407-836-3111.
For more information, visit ocfl.net/net.
FEMA opened its vaccination hub site at Valencia College West campus. The site will remain open indefinitely. Details:
Valencia College – West College (main location)
1800 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando, FL 32811
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Open 7 days per week
Pre-registration highly encouraged
Engelwood Neighborhood Center (temporary satellite location)
6123 La Costa Drive, Orlando, FL 32807
March 3-6, 2021, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - No appointments necessary
Kelly Park (temporary satellite location)
400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL 32712 - Offering appointments beginning March 7-10, 2021, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - No appointments necessary, drive-thru location
Visit ocfl.net/vaccine for details.
Vaccination appointments are also still available at the Orange County Convention Center. Visit ocfl.net/vaccine for appointment information.
Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance program has $33 million of federal funds to support residents who are at-risk of eviction due to COVID-19 financial hardships.
The application portal remains open until the money is depleted. You can save your application and come back to it later if you don’t all the information or required documents. Please thoroughly read the webpage at ocfl.net/RentalAssistance as many applications have missing and incomplete information.
For the latest updates on COVID-19, visit the County’s newsroom and stay up-to-date at ocfl.net/vaccine.
