An uptick in COVID-19 Cases Prompts CDC Emphasis on ‘Time, Space, People and Places’

An upward trend of positive COVID-19 cases in Brevard County has prompted a reminder to county residents to be mindful of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on social distancing and its newest recommendations on ways to protect yourself and others.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases reported by the Florida Department of Health Brevard has climbed to 608. Barely two weeks ago, the number of positive cases in the county was 424. In that same time frame, statewide numbers jumped from 56,830 to 80,109.

With people returning to work, and restaurants and other establishments reopening as part of the Phase II “Re-opening Florida” economic recovery plan, the CDC is asking the public to adopt different types of prevention measures to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The emphasis is on “Time” “Space” “People” and “Places,” as in the more time you spend and the closer in space you are to any (possibly) infected people, the higher your risk. Interacting with more people raises your risk, and indoor places are riskier than outdoors.

Among recommendations: • If you have COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever or chills, cough, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, it is important to stay home and away from other people. • Wash hands often and cover coughs and sneezes. • Avoid mass gatherings. • Wear a face mask or cloth face covering when out in public. • Keep 6 feet of space between you and others. The closer you are to people who may be infected, the greater the risk of you becoming infected. Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces. • Be aware that spending more time with people who may be infected increases your risk of becoming infected, or their risk of becoming infected if you may have already been infected