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Coronavirus: What you need to know in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, many may be wondering where they can find information such as testing sites, how to file for unemployment and more.

Here is a list of resources to help make it easier to find information related to the pandemic:

Where can I get tested?

Channel 9 compiled a list of testing sites, as well as the criteria for testing at each location.

To view the list, click here.

Read: Coronavirus: Where COVID-19 testing is available in Central Florida

Where are COVID-19 cases in my area?

To track where COVID-19 cases are in Florida, click here.

The map is provided by the Florida Department of Health.

It breaks down the cases by county, ZIP code and more.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Coronavirus cases in Florida

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

Here is what we know about the virus.

Read: What we know about coronavirus: 3 things that have changed

Click here to learn how COVID-19 progresses.

Read: Coronavirus: How COVID-19 progresses; a day-by-day breakdown of symptoms

If you are wondering if you have already had COVID-19, click here.

Read: Could you have already had the virus? 5 questions answered

How can I donate plasma to help COVID-19 patients?

If you’ve recovered from COVID-19, you may be able to help others who are fighting for their lives against the virus.

To find out how you can help, click here.

Read: Have you recovered from COVID-19? Here’s how you can help others through convalescent plasma treatment

Which long-term care facilities have had someone test positive for COVID-19?

Click here to find out which facilities in Central Florida that have had someone test positive for the virus.

Read: These local long-term facilities have had someone test positive for COVID-19

How do I file for unemployment?

Click here to learn how to apply for unemployment in Florida.

Read: Coronavirus: Here’s how to apply for unemployment in Florida

Where is my stimulus check?

Millions of Americans have gotten their stimulus payment, but others still haven’t received a check.

Here is where you can find out when you will get your payment.

Read: Stimulus checks: IRS site allows you to find out when you get your payment

If that doesn’t work, click here for four possible reasons you didn’t get the check.

Read: Coronavirus: 4 reasons you didn’t get your stimulus check

Where can I get rental assistance?

Channel 9 compiled rental assistance resources that are available for Central Florida residents county by county.

To view the list, click here.

Read: Worried about making rent? Here are assistance programs available in Central Florida during coronavirus pandemic

What are fun things to do while quarantined?

As COVID-19 social distancing and self-quarantining continue, some of us may be going stir crazy not able to go and do the things we’re used to.

Here is a list of fun things to do while social distancing.

Read: Coronavirus: Fun things to do while social distancing

Click here to find out how adults’ mental health can benefit from play.

Read: Playtime, it’s not just for kids. How adults’ mental health can benefit from play during coronavirus pandemic.

How do I make a face covering?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people to wear a face covering while out in public.

Click here or here to find out how to make a face covering.

Read: Coronavirus: How to make fabric masks during COVID-19 pandemic

To learn how to safely clean a face covering, click here.

Read: Coronavirus: How to safely clean face coverings

Who can I call for help if I need a safe place to stay during the pandemic?

Here are numbers for those who need help during the coronavirus pandemic:

  • Harbor House Hotline: 407-886-2856
  • Help Now of Osceola: 407-847-8562
  • Victim Service Center (call 24/7): 407-500-HEAL(4325) | Text: 407-497-6701
  • SMA hotline: 800-539-4228

Read: Advocates say resources still available as coronavirus stress could mean increase in domestic violence

To learn more, click here or here.

Read: Mental health hotlines see increase of callers in crisis, offer guidance and help

Where can I find a food bank in Central Florida?

Click here to find a list of food banks in Central Florida that are giving out supplies to those in need.

Read: Coronavirus: These Central Florida food banks are giving out food

When and where can I grocery shop in Central Florida?

Channel 9 compiled a list of the local stores that are open, including their latest store hours and product limitations.

Click here to learn more.

Read: Coronavirus: When and where you can grocery shop in Central Florida

How can I stay informed?

WFTV is committed to keeping you informed as we endure the coronavirus pandemic.

We’ve composed a comprehensive list of the multiple ways you can access our coverage of what is happening in Central Florida.

To view the list, click here.

Read: Coronavirus in Central Florida: Here is how to stay informed



Katlyn Brieskorn, WFTV.com

Katlyn Brieskorn is a Digital Assignment Editor at WFTV. She joined Channel 9 in July 2019.