CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

REOPENING FLORIDA (PHASE ONE)
Governor DeSantis unveiled his "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step." plan to reopen Florida.
PHASE ONE includes:
Schools continue distance learning
Visitors may not enter nursing homes and long-term care facilities
Elective surgeries can resume at facilities that meet certain conditions
Restaurants may offer outdoor seating and indoor seating at 25% of building capacity
Restaurants must adopt appropriate social distancing measures
In-store retail businesses are allowed to operate at 25% occupancy and must abide by Centers for Disease Control and Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety guidelines.
Barbershop and Cosmetology Salons, such as hair and nail salons that follow the safety and mandatory restrictions as added by Governor's Executive Order 20-120
WHAT REMAINS CLOSED
Bars
Pubs
Nightclubs
Gyms and fitness centers
Sports venues and movie theaters

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside the home. The CDC recommends continuing social distancing while in public, avoiding groups of 10 or larger and using face coverings in public when you can’t maintain 6 feet away from others.
REDUCE YOUR RISK
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and toss used paper towels in the trash.
Wash after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Wash after touching someone.
If you don’t have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
Cough and sneeze into your bent elbow or a tissue. Throw used tissues in the trash.
Health officials are recommending people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth when in community settings. 


SUN CITY CENTER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - WHAT'S NEW WITH THE CA?
UPDATED - To include Basketball & Volleyball
With the stay at home order being lifted, the Board has developed a phase-in reopening plan for the facilities. 
Phase One will include the reopening of all outdoor activities listed below up to a fifty percent capacity.  
This opening will be for Community Association Members, and KP Gold Card and Freedom Plaza Card holders only. No guests will be allowed at this time.  It is recommended that you wear masks, use hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and practice safe sanitary procedures when using the facilities as well as follow safe distancing practices. We will take all the necessary steps to sanitize outdoor facilities periodically throughout the day. We will monitor the use of facilities and advise when we feel it is safe to implement the next phase of reopening indoor space. Please note that you will be using the outdoor facilities at your own risk. If you are feeling ill or have been in a virus exposed area please refrain from using the facilities. Please govern yourself accordingly.
Phase One:
All outdoor activities can resume with up to fifty percent capacity with the practices of social distancing.  
Basketball
Volleyball
Pickleball
Tennis
Softball
Archery
Dog Park
Horseshoes
Shuffleboard
Lawn Bowling
Tillers and Toilers
Walking Trails
Outdoor Pool/Spa Area for swimming only no club usage (Community Association and Freedom Plaza card holders only)
Outdoor Pool Usage: The outdoor pool will be open 7:30am to 7pm. We have come up with a two hour window for usage sessions. One and a half hours for usage and then closing for 30 minutes for sanitizing and cleaning. Everyone must leave the pool area for the cleaning and sanitizing. This will revolve throughout the day with six sessions for your use. We have the capacity for 37 people at each session.  We ask that you please leave all pool noodles, weights,  etc. at home. You must have your current CA Membership Badge to enter.

TESTING:

No Money, No Insurance for COVID-19 Testing? No Worries; Hillsborough Public Sites are Free!
Hillsborough County has significantly expanded its free point-in-time COVID-19 testing. Any resident who wants to be tested – including people who do not have symptoms – can request an appointment. EPG members learned Monday that while some private providers are offering the tests for no cost up front, they are billing the patient’s insurance company. That’s not the case for any of the tests conducted at the four public testing sites. Call (813) 272-5900 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to make a reservation.


RESOURCES FOOD:


Finding Food Funds Low? Here’s Where to Find Help
Food Assistance for Seniors – Hillsborough County residents age 60 and older can apply for food assistance through Hillsborough County Aging Services. There is no income requirement to participate in the federally-funded program. For more information on receiving meals and to apply, call (813) 272-5250.


FOOD DELIVERY
EVERY TUESDAY FOOD DELIVERY FOR FAMILIES IN NEED - The American Ideals Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) entity, located at 1501 La Jolla Avenue (SouthShore United Church of Christ building) is partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay, also a 501(c)(3) organization to provide prepared meals to Sun City Center and neighboring communities.  Beginning Tuesday, April 21, and continuing every Tuesday thereafter (unless noted), prepared food will be delivered to this location and be available for distribution.  Pre-registration is necessary.  Call: (813) 770-4842 to reserve the number of meals you need.  You will be contacted with the time your meals will be ready.  The (AIF) is helping to bring a little bit of hope while observing social distancing.  For more information about this local organization, please see:  https://www.aif501c3.org/the-flash.


RESOURCES FOR PETS:


VETERINARY SERVICES DURING CORONAVIRUS THREAT:
As the reduction in community services starts to affect our daily lives, GMFC (Global Military Family Coalition, Inc.) thought it would be helpful to provide you information and resources on health-related topics that might be concerning you or your families. Families come in all shapes and sizes and many of you have furry, feathered, or scaled members that you consider parts of your family. 
1. Your pet is likely enjoying all the additional time you’re spending at home! Are you worried about how COVID-19 may affect them? The CDC has no evidence that your pets can carry or spread the disease but check out these CDC pages that should answer all your questions:
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/animals.html or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#COVID19animals
2. Even if you’re in in a “stay at home” status, veterinary services are still available across the country. Most vet clinics are asking clients to stay in their vehicles while their animals are examined or treated, and many request that you postpone elective procedures such as spays, neuters, and dental cleanings to conserve PPE (gowns, masks, gloves) for the human hospitals. Call your veterinarian if your animal is sick, needs emergency assistance, prescription refills, or your animal is due for vaccines.
a. DoD Veterinary Treatment Facilities are open but are prioritizing services to ensure the health of military working dogs to maintain readiness. Care to privately owned animals will be prioritized based on availability and need. It is recommended that you call first.
3. Lastly, if you’re lonely, this is a great time to adopt or foster a pet. Many animal shelters are full and less traffic means more vulnerable animals so ask your local shelter if you’re interested in temporary foster or adoption. Please only do so if you can continue to care for your new addition once your life returns to normal.
a. https://humanesocietytampa.org/fostering/ 813.774.4346
b. www.animalluvrs.org
If there are topics you would GMFC like us to present, or if you have any feedback at all, please feel free to post them on our Facebook page or send them to info@globalmilitaryfamilycoalition.ngo
Jean Bennett Stratis, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Global Military Family Coalition, Inc.


RESOURCES STRESS AND ANXIETY:


TELEHEALTH AT BRANDON MENTAL HEALTH 
Now offering Telehealth to new and existing clients! Brandon Mental Health provides an essential service and is continuing office appointments with recommended precautions to protect our patients and their health from the COVID-19 virus. If you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or feel you might be contagious, please stay at home and call us at 813-315-8648 to reschedule. For office appointments, we will maintain the recommended social distance during all interactions. Please wait in your car and your therapist will text or call you when they are ready for you to come to their office. https://brandonmentalhealth.com/


TELEHEALTH: CALL GRACEPOINT
Adult Crisis: 813-272-2958
Children's Crisis: 813-272-2882
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: 813-264-9955


TELEBEHAVIORAL HEALTH - Welcome to the 21st Century
Telebehavioral health, or telehealth, is the latest innovative platform in mental health services. Thera-link, one of the top telehealth providers, is the venue that the Marriage and Family Training Center utilizes to meet the needs of its clients. This platform is HIPAA compliant, confidential, and safe. The Marriage and Family Training Center's founder, William R. Cruz, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Florida. With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Cruz provides individual, couple, family and group counseling. For more information and to book an appointment, go to www.mftcfl.com.


TELE-THERAPY
Edmond Dubreuil LCSW, from the Community Mental Wellness Center, Sun City Center. I would like to inform you due to the Corona Virus I now offer tele-conferencing sessions from the safety  of your home. This service is approved by your insurance provider. If you need support during these trying time please contact me and we can set up an appointment. If you are interested please call or text my at 813-777-9777 or email me at edubreuil @tampabay.rr.com.   


24 HOUR HELP LINE OFFERED BY CIGNA
Cigna is also providing free resources for all customers, clients and communities to support them during these times of high stress and anxiety. The company has opened a 24-hour toll-free help line (1-866-912-1687) to connect people directly with qualified clinicians who can provide support and guidance. Additionally, the company will offer a webinar to the general public raising awareness about tools and techniques for stress management and building resiliency, along with the ability to join telephonic mindfulness sessions. More Information can be found at www.cigna.com.  "Anxiety is understandably high as we are learning more about the spread of this disease," said Douglas Nemecek, M.D., Cigna's chief medical officer for behavioral health. "Aligned to our focus on whole-person health, we are expanding behavioral support and resources for everyone – whether they are Cigna customers or not – to help everyone stay resilient during this critical time. 


FEELING STRESSED DURING THIS TIME OF ISOLATION? WANT SOMEONE TO TALK TO?
It’s common to feel stressed or anxious during these challenging times. Many people are experiencing increased levels of stress, fear and anxiety. The need for social distancing makes it harder to access our normal social supports. Being in contact with people who can relate to your experiences is comforting. Centerstone’s CareLine can help you learn about coping skills, find resources, and feel supported. If you or someone you know needs to talk, the team at Centerstone is available to help. 24/7 CareLine - 941-782-4300 #CstoneNeverQuits


RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:


HELP FOR HELPING!
If you are part of a non-profit organization helping seniors in Sun City Center, there are funds available to assist you.
The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay wants to know how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting our Sun City Center nonprofits and matching donors with those financial needs. To share your need or to contribute, go to www.cftampabay.org/response


SAFETY AND SCAMS TO BE AWARE OF:


REMINDER, DUE TO AN INCREASED NUMBER OF THEFTS, SCC residents are asked to keep their garage doors secured, to lock their car and house doors and make sure personal items are out of sight.


AVOIDING CORONAVIRUS SCAMS FROM THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU:
https://www.bbb.org/council/coronavirus/


SCAMS AGAINST VETERANS - There have been reports of individuals fraudulently posing as VA employees and who are contacting patients in an attempt to collect medical supplies and equipment, particularly items used for personal protection like rubber gloves and masks.  
VA would NEVER contact patients and ask them to return supplies and equipment after issuance of such items. If you or a Veteran you know are being targeted by this type of fraudulent activity, please contact the VA Office of the Inspector General.  You can submit a complaint 24/7 by visiting www.va.gov/oig/hotline. You can also report concerns via telephone by calling 1-800-488-8244, on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m


HCSO Community Resource Officer Deputy Jeff Merry who continues to be watching over the safety of our Sun City Center residents.  He has asked that the following scams be communicated with your staff, clients & patients:
1. Phone calls about the stimulus checks in an attempt to get the victim's bank account information.  It begins by saying they are the Treasury and they need to direct deposit the money.  
2. There are people going door to door claiming to be with Homeland Security and offering at-home testing.  This is a Medicare scam and the cons charge Medicare thousands of dollars for non existing Medicare services.  


SOMETHING TO DO WHILE SAFER-AT-HOME:


FROM THE FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER: Until We Can Be Together
Write your experiences, your feelings to purge your COVID stress. Please send your poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction to our new on-line Creative Writing Project - The Covid-19 Pandemic. 
We believe writing helps us cope with stress, improves our mental and our physical health, and benefits both the reader and the writer through  sharing of thoughts--fearful and funny.   The on-going crisis we are currently experiencing will pass, but for now we hope you will use this outlet to get your creative juices flowing. 
So here are a few ground rules: 
1.  Submit your work to:  info@firehouseculturalcenter.org
2.  There are no word limits, but the topic must be Covid-19 related.
3.  Editing will be limited, but gratuitously colorful language will of necessity be deleted. 
The prompt to get you started is:  How I Feel about Covid-19. Editor: Ann Mohin is an award-winning novelist, short story writer, poet & playwright.  Her play, The Farm She Was, was adapted from her New York Times Notable Book &  produced at The Palace Theater in Hamilton, NY. In Washington D.C. was a publishing editor for ten years. Who divides her time between upstate New York & Florida.


VETERANS INFO AND RESOURCES:


VETERANS UPDATE FOR SOHI/Riverview Clinic patients
From George Denby Section Chief SOHI Clinic in an update to Bill Hodges:
So far, SOHI is still open for appointments, but no one under 18 can enter the building and patients can only have one escort with them
Many of our services have stopped right now, -NO Audiology, NO Podiatry, NO Pulmonary unless scheduled or CPAP issue, NO Prosthetics, 
We have sent all of our Volunteer staff home until further notice. There are many more updates and they are changing by the minute.
God speed and be careful,
George L. Denby, Jr
Section Chief (HAS)
South Hillsborough (SOHI) VA Clinic


NO PLACE TO GO? HOW ABOUT A RADIO SHOW?


INSTRUCTIONS: HOW TO LISTEN TO VETERANS CORNER RADIO SHOW: HOW TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST – VETERANS CORNER RADIO PROGRAMS.
WHEN USING AN ANDRIOD PHONE OR TABLET(ANYTHING OTHER THAN IPHONE)
1. Go to the Google Play Store in your Apps, Type in to the search bar (small magnifying glass) Google Podcasts. When it comes up click on it and then install.
2. Once Google Podcasts is open on the search bar, search for Veterans Corner Radio.
3. When Veterans Corner Radio comes up in the search click on it.
4. Once it is on your screen click on the subscribe button and it will notify you of any new shows.
5. While there click on one of the shows and start listening.
WHEN USING AN IPHONE OR APPLE  TABLET
1. Apple products come preloaded with the podcast button. It is purple and looks like a bullseye and is in your apps.
2. Click on the button and a search page will appear. 
3. Type in Veterans Corner Radio and it will bring the podcast back to you. Click on the Veterans Corner Radio logo.
4. Once it is on your screen click on the subscribe button and it will notify you of any new shows.
5. While there click on one of the shows and start listening. (Send comments to Bill@billhodges.com)

FUTURE POST COVID-19 FEATURED EVENTS! SAVE THE DATE!

Veteran's Ongoing Event

Since Veterans are our Country's Caregivers by providing us with our freedom, it is only right that we preserve their memories for future generations. From philosopher George Santayana: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

With this thought in mind, Sun Towers Retirement Community along with the American Red Cross and The Library of Congress will be capturing the memories of Veterans to be preserved for all time on the website of the Library of Congress. 

If you are a veteran, please contact Sun Towers to schedule your appointment in order to have your account of your military history preserved. This recording will take place on the third Friday of each month from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and will take approximately 45 minutes for each Veteran so appointments are nexessary and may be made by calling Sun Towers at 813-634-3347.

For more information, please visit: http://www.loc.gov/vets/ 

  

Warmest regards,

 

Debbie Caneen

Director of Admissions

Sun Towers Retirement Community

101 Trinity Lakes Drive

Sun City Center, FL 33573

813-892-2990