COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Initial Information

How is Global Innovative Foundation responding to COVID-19?

 

Our teams are committed and have responded to the challenges regarding the coronavirus crisis. We have presented COVID-19:What You Need to Know for the Churches, Pastors, Non-Profit Organizations. We provided health education and provided mental health support, and will be conducting a series of webinars providing education on the Coronavirus COVID-19, training on the prevention of infection control measures for the community, Children Safety as it relates to internet safety, and provided resources for survivors of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence.

 

GIF is working with local public officials and authorities to help prepare for the impact of COVID-19. Human Trafficking Survivors, Domestic Violence Survivors are extremely vulnerable during this pandemics. This pandemic threatens the lives of people around the world, and presents even greater risks for the vulnerable populations particularly the older adults greater than 65 years of age who have chronic illnesses and disease. Stay tuned for more detailed information on the upcoming Webinars that will hosted live on Facebook using Zoom or WebEx.

 

As of April 15, 2020, there were more than 1,918,138 confirmed new cases of coronavirus in 206 countries, territories, or areas, and 123,126 people have lost their lives. There are now more cases in the United States (578,268) than in any other country reported by WHO. and more 22, 519 cases in Florida, 3, 249 Hospitalization and 614 deaths. 8, 063 total cases in Miami-Dade County, 155 deaths and 3,363 cases and 94 deaths in Broward County, 1, 816 cases in Palm Beach and 107 deaths.

Message from the President

 

Dear Friends and Supporters of Global Innovative Foundation,

 

We are living in a world in unprecedented times where many individuals, families, and children are dealing and facing various challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic as a public health crisis. Our Team at Global Innovative Foundation (GIF) had to unfortunately postponed the “Power & Influence Luncheon” until further notice to ensure the safety of our guests. GIF continues to swiftly monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and remains steadfast to its mission of providing the community with relevant information, education, and resources to help and empower survivors of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Gun Violence Prevention, and promoting Children Safety.

 

We will begin a weekly Webinar on issues such as the Impact of COVID-19 & Human Trafficking, Stress Management during COVID-19 Pandemics, Children Safety, Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention, etc. We embrace the opportunity to collaborate to tackle these issues and do the best we can together to remain safe during this unprecedented time. For more information, please email us at info@globalinnovativefoundation.org or call 305-647-8730. Please Stay Safe!

Updated COVID-19 Testing Sites Directly From Miami Dade County’s Website:

List of COVID-19 testing facilities in Miami-Dade, Broward and the Keys

Most sites are by appointment only! Here’s what you need to know!
All of the centers are drive-thru only, which means you need to be in a car or truck with a working window. You should also put gas in your vehicle before you go — wait times could be at least two hours.
Each of the centers also has criteria for testing eligibility and different sets of hours. This list will be continuously updated as more testing sites begin to open.

Who can be tested?

Patients must have recently traveled to any of the affected countries or have been in contact with someone who has the novel coronavirus. They must also be experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. The nonprofit is asking those with severe symptoms to visit a hospital ER instead.
Cleveland Clinic Florida has opened a drive-through testing site at its Krupa Center at 3250 Meridian Parkway in Weston. Testing will occur Monday-Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. To book an appointment, call 954-659-5951. Callers will be screened by a nurse who will determine whether they meet testing criteria.
Broward Health has set up a mobile testing unit in Pompano Beach. Call 954-320-5730 to make an appointment.

COVID-19 Testing in Miami-Dade County:

Community Health of South Florida Doris Ison Health Center
Address: 10300 SW 216th St., Cutler Bay
Testing Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.; by appointment only. Those who meet the testing criteria are asked to call the nonprofit first at 305-252-4820 to schedule an appointment.

 

Larkin Community Hospital
Address: 1475 W. 49th Place, Hialeah
Testing Hours: By appointment only

Who can be tested?

Healthcare workers and first responders, including police and firefighters, Hialeah and Miami city employees, and federal employees, including air marshals, Immigration and Customs Enforcement workers and those who staff detention centers. The individual must also be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Those who meet the criteria can sign up for a test at https://cvtesting.larkinhospital.com/en/. You can also call 305-830-0790 to schedule an appointment.

 

Hard Rock Stadium
Address: 347 Don Shula Dr, Miami Gardens
Testing Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Who can be tested?

First responders and healthcare staff, including police, fire-rescue, medical staff and essential staff that is supporting the management agencies during the novel coronavirus pandemic. You must have COVID-19 symptoms and be prepared to show ID.
People who are 65 or older with COVID-19 symptoms and have chronic conditions. You must show ID.
Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and have recently traveled internationally on a cruise or plane or have a compromised immune system. You must show ID.

 

Testing for homebound Miami residents
The city of Miami announced Monday that it has 2,000 test kits to test homebound residents over 65 who fear they have contracted COVID-19. City staff will first reach out to low-income senior towers.
Call 305-960-5050 to make an appointment.

 


COVID-19 Testing in Broward County

Broward Health
The address of the Pompano Beach test site will be disclosed to those who make an appointment.
Testing Hours: By appointment only

Who can be tested?

Patients must receive a written prescription from a physician and then call 954-320-5730 (open 7 am. to 7 p.m.) to register for a test. Those who qualify will then have to show a photo ID, the written prescription and the registration confirmation number once they arrive at the site.

 

C.B. Smith Park (Florida National Guard partnering with Memorial Healthcare System)
Address: 900 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines
Testing Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Who can be tested?

First responders and healthcare staff, including police, fire-rescue, medical staff and essential staff that is supporting the management agencies during the novel coronavirus pandemic. You must have COVID-19 symptoms and be prepared to show ID.

People who are 65 or older with COVID-19 symptoms and have chronic conditions. You must show I.D. Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and have recently traveled internationally on a cruise or plane or have a compromised immune system. You must show I.D. Pembroke Pines police say you can call 954-276-4680 in advance to pre-register for a screening. The registration hotline will open at 1 p.m. Monday.

 

Cleveland Clinic Florida
Address: 3250 Meridian Parkway, Weston
Testing Hours: By appointment only
Visit https://my.clevelandclinic.org/landing/preparing-for-coronavirus for screening requirements or call Cleveland Clinic’s 24/7 COVID-19 hotline for more information 855.697.3750.

 


 

COVID-19 Testing in Monroe County

Marathon Community Park
Address: 200 City Marina
Testing Hours: By appointment
Who can be tested?
Monroe County residents who are feeling COVID-19 symptoms and have made an appointment by calling 305-252-4820, according to WSVN.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

10 ways to manage COVID-19 at home

COVID-19 General Prevention Tips

COVID-19 Visitor Screening Guidance

COVID-19 Return to work essential criteria

COVID-19 Anxiety Workbook

COVID-19 Social Distancing

What to do if infected with COVID-19

COVID-19 Community Food Events

COVID-19 Key Times To Wear A Face Cloth

COVID-19 What To Do After Attending An Event or Gathering?

So You tested Postive for COVID-19… Now What?

CONTACT TRACING FOR COVID-19

Food Distribution Events

Testing Locations

Counseling & crisis intervention Hotline


This is a 24/7 Switchboard 211 operated helpline partially funded by The Children’s Trust, United Way of Miami-Dade County, Florida Department of Children and Families and Miami-Dade County.

Trained staff and volunteers provide telephone counseling, crisis intervention, and information and referral to countywide programs and services.

Callers may dial 2-1-1 from their home or office phone. If calling from a cell phone, please call (305) 631-4211.

Information For Seniors in South Florida – Call 311

Essential services provided by senior community centers will be delivered to our seniors. If you are a senior citizen and you have any problems getting meals, please call the County’s 311 Call Center and you will be immediately patched in with our Emergency Operations Center and get you the meals or other services that you may need.

More Hotlines

  • Florida Domestic Violence 24-Hour Crisis Hotline 1-800-500-1119
  • Miami-Dade County Coordinated Victims Assistance Center 305-285-5900
  • Advocates for Victims/Safespace Hotline – North 305-758-2546
  • Advocates for Victims/Safespace Hotline – South 305-245-5011

What Do We Know About the Coronavirus?

 

A new coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan, China, was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office on December 31, 2019. A pneumonia of unknown cause was detected in Wuhan, China according to was first reported to the WHO Country Office in China.
The outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020.

 

On February 11, the World Health Organization named the disease caused by the new coronavirus: COVID-19. Both the virus and the disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan. The overwhelming majority of cases were initially concentrated in China, however the disease has now spread worldwide. On March 11, the WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

 

What is Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, most of which are harmless for humans. Four types are known to cause colds, and two other types can cause severe lung infections: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The novel coronavirus is now known as SARS-CoV-2, because of its similarities to the virus that causes SARS. This new coronavirus seems to target cells in the lungs, and possibly other cells in the respiratory system too. Cells infected by the virus will produce more virus particles, which can then spread to other people, for instance by coughing.

 

Why do the virus and the disease have different names?

 

Viruses, and the diseases they cause, often have different names. For example, HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. People often know the name of a disease, but not the name of the virus that causes it.

 

There are different processes, and purposes, for naming viruses and diseases. Viruses are named based on their genetic structure to facilitate the development of diagnostic tests, vaccines and medicines. Virologists and the wider scientific community do this work, so viruses are named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

 

Diseases are named to enable discussion on disease prevention, spread, transmissibility, severity and treatment. Human disease preparedness and response is WHO’s role, so diseases are officially named by WHO in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). ICTV announced “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)” as the name of the new virus on 11 February 2020. This name was chosen because the virus is genetically related to the coronavirus responsible for the SARS outbreak of 2003. While related, the two viruses are different.

 

WHO announced “COVID-19” as the name of this new disease on 11 February 2020, following guidelines previously developed with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

 

How is coronavirus transmitted?

 

The virus can spread from person to person, including by people who appear to have no symptoms. This makes it much harder to get a good picture of the way it’s spreading.

The WHO notes that coronavirus can be transmitted primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose or mouth which are spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can catch COVID-19 by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus, and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. People can also be infected if they breathe in droplets from a person with coronavirus who coughs out or exhales droplets. The WHO recommends social distancing- staying more than three feet away from a person who is sick.

 

How dangerous is coronavirus?

The latest estimates are that 80 percent of the people who get infected with the new coronavirus will experience a mild or moderate form of disease. Roughly 15 percent will develop a severe form of the disease requiring hospitalization. Some 5 percent will become critically ill. The high level of supportive and intensive care required to treat patients with COVID-19 places real challenges to even the most advanced health care systems.

 

COVID-19 is more dangerous for elderly people or people suffering from other infections or ailments. Children so far seem to be less affected by the disease. The mortality rates vary significantly from place to place.Public health measures such as isolation, quarantine, and social distancing are generally put in place to limit community transmission, reduce the number of new cases and severely ill patients, protect the most vulnerable people, and manage health resources.

 

How can you prevent yourself from being infected?

 

It is extremely important to protect yourself and others too. As with other coronaviruses, droplet infection seems to be the main mode of transmission. The virus enters the human body through the mouth or nose. This can happen by breathing in infected droplets, or by touching with your hands a surface on which droplets have landed, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth later.

 

Going back to the basics – infection control measures such as good handwashing for 20 seconds and proper coughing and sneeze etiquette are highly effective and important for prevention.
Hand hygiene is essential, therefore, CDC recommends that you wash your hands often with soap and water. Make sure to use enough soap, and ensure that all parts of both your hands are washed. Spend at least 20 seconds washing your hands. If there is no visible dirt on your hands, an alcohol-based gel is also a good option.

 

CDC recommends that you stay home when you are sick, and avoid contact with other people. If you are coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or with the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues into a wastebasket immediately and wash your hands.

Social distancing is advised in places with community transmission of the virus. Avoid crowded places and large gatherings, and generally keep some physical distance between you and other people.

 

Is there a cure for COVID-19?

 

At this time, there are no specific vaccine or treatments for COVID-19. WHO postulates that there are ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments.

 

Given the current situation with the supply of masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment (PPE), the needs of health care personnel are critical. Therefore GIF will continue to advocate for adequate and essential PPEs for healthcare workers at the frontline and educate the public by sharing relevant information on the COVID-19 outbreak.