Contact: Tammy Yzaguirre

(239) 308-5196, Lee-PIO@FLHealth.gov

Fort Myers, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) investigated the report of a Macy’s employee who allegedly tested positive for COVID-19. After thorough investigation by the DOH-Lee epidemiological team, this claim was found to be false.

The fifth confirmed case in Lee County, announced in the press release issued by the Department this morning, of a 72-year old female is not related to this news story.

What you Should Know

COVID-19 is an emerging respiratory disease and can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness.

Everyone can do their part to help plan, prepare, and respond to this emerging public health threat. The best way to lower the impact within our communities and workplaces is by taking every day preventative actions that help to impede the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. Preventative actions include:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
• Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons in poor health;
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue;
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty; and
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Please visit the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.

For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-(866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours a day. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.