Bunnell, Fla. - Last week the Flagler Health Department (DOH-Flagler), with assistance from state and national infectious disease strike teams, facilitated Covid-19 testing at two nursing homes in Flagler County: Flagler Health and Rehabilitation in Bunnell and Market Street Memory Care in Palm Coast.

A total of 300 individuals - 180 staff and 126 patients - were screened and all tested negative for Covid-19, a huge achievement for facilities. The department confirmed today that staff and clients/residents at Grand Oaks Health & Rehabilitation and Princeton Village are scheduled to be tested as early as Friday, May 15. Testing dates for other assisted living facilities and small group homes are being finalized.

Bob Snyder, health officer of the Flagler Health Department, said, "Our three priorities right now are testing, contact tracing and providing support and guidance to our nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Having visited all 71 of the congregate care facilities over the past two weeks, we have assessed these group homes, making sure they have adequate supplies of protective equipment, and, in some cases, re-educating them about how to prevent infectious disease. These facilities care for some of our most vulnerable residents so it's important they have safeguards in place and follow CDC guidelines."

As testing remains one of DOH-Flagler's highest priorities, the health department continues to offer weekday testing, by appointments, at 301 Dr. Carter Boulevard in Bunnell. Starting next week, DOH will partner with Flagler County Emergency Management, Flagler County Fire & Rescue, the Palm Coast Fire department, Flagler Volunteer Services, Daytona State College and other stakeholders to oversee operations of the drive-through Covid-19 testing operation at Daytona State College's Palm Coast campus. Details about this testing operation will be shared shortly and is expected to be available throughout June.

Thanks to cooperation of its residents, Flagler County has fared well in reducing the spread of this dangerous virus. The health department, along with local government, municipalities and community partners, continue to remind residents to wear masks in public places and maintain social distancing to prevent further spread or a resurgence in the fall.

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.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

For information about the local health department, go to flagler.floridahealth.gov, call 386-437-7350, or visit 301 Dr. Carter Blvd. in Bunnell.