Coronavirus: The latest local updates, cancellations, resources, + more

Table of Contents

Major Local Announcements

You can find more updates concerning COVID-19 case numbers on the Florida Department of Health dashboard. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here.
Thousands of rapid COVID-19 tests will now be accessible to not only teachers, students, and staff, but also their families, at Polk County Public Schools, as the district has received a $1 million grant from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund. Tests are free, can be administered at three different sites, and are by appointment. Private + charter schools will also receive a portion of the grant. (WFLA News Channel 8)
DYK how Polk County scores on Florida’s scorecard, as it concerns COVID-19? Check out the stats here.

What to do if you think you’re sick (CDC)
CDC Resources
World Health Organization Resources
Lakeland Regional Health’s Respiratory Care Center is now offering next-day COVID-19 test results. Those with symptoms can schedule an appointment by calling 863-284-5000. Appointments are required. Ⓟ
Wondering where to get tested in Lakeland? Check out this roundup of locations from Lakeland Mom. (Lakeland Mom)
Peace River Center offers a crisis line for emotional support for those who may be struggling with substance abuse during this time. Call 863.519.3744 for immediate assistance.
The Florida Department of Health in Polk has set up a call center: 863.519.7911, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Have you received a call from an unknown number, saying that you may have been exposed to the coronavirus? Polk County Department of Health’s 14-person team of contact tracers (comprised of epidemiologists, medical experts, local hospital staff + schooling nurses) is tasked with cutting off the spread of the coronavirus in the community. Part of the tracking process they use involves making cold calls to people who may have come in contact with someone with COVID-19. If you receive a call from someone saying they are a health reporter, you can contact Polk’s COVID-19 hotline at 863.519.7911 to confirm. (The Ledger)
Lakeland Regional Health is answering FAQs about COVID-19 here. Ⓟ

Is your Reemployment Assistance claim labeled as “Not Registered”? Complete your application for Reemployment Assistance benefits here + learn more about your benefit claim here.

The Florida Department of Health + Polk County Public Schools have worked together to create a new online resource to help keep the community informed about confirmed coronavirus cases.
If this pandemic has shown us anything, it’s how resilient Lakeland is, and how we’re finding new ways of doing business. Catapult chatted with its members about 3 attitudes entrepreneurs need to guide them through a crisis. Ⓟ
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) released an online dashboard where daily updates of unemployment benefits payments can be tracked. (WKMG News 6)
Save + share this page of local resources for small businesses, curated by Catapult. Have more ideas on how to help our community as a whole?

City of Lakeland
College and professional sporting events (CBS Sports)
Florida colleges and universities (WTXL)
Local events (Lkld Now)
For Kids + families
Lakeland businesses
Lakeland Electric
Polk County Public Schools
The annual Swan Derby – hosted by Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM) – has been cancelled. The new date for next year’s event is April 23, 2021. LVIM is still planning to host activities in October + recommends checking out their Instagram + Facebook pages to stay up-to-date.
Lakeland Restaurant Week has been rescheduled to Jan. 25-31 2021, due to COVID-19 concerns. Restaurants with lower cost menus are also able to join next year’s event by offering a $20, three-course prix fixe menu. More information – including which restaurants will be at the event – will be shared in the coming weeks. Stay up-to-date at www.LakelandRestaurantWeek.com.