The Village of Estero has compiled the most recent daily updates from the State of Florida, Lee County and the Village of Estero. This compilation provides updates from the governmental perspective. The information provided below was developed by our partner agencies for public consumption.
Village of Estero Update
Village Hall has closed the public lobbies as of 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 23.
- We will still be accepting online applications, records requests, requests for action related to roads and landscaping, and general inquiries.
- Our phone lines will remain open and we will have available a dropbox for paper building applications.
- Health Data
- Global Confirmed Cases: 1,041,126 (55,132 deaths)
- U.S. Confirmed Cases: 245,658 (6,069 deaths)
- Florida Confirmed Cases: 9,248 (163 deaths, 1,215 hospitalizations) (see attached graph)
- Lee County Confirmed Cases: 289 (11 deaths, 51 hospitalizations)
- Estero Confirmed Cases: 13 (unknown death and hospitalization numbers)
- CDC
- Practice “social distancing” by remaining at least 6 feet from others
- Limit gatherings to 10 people or less
- Some in the community have organized trips to the grocery store- the CDC guidelines still apply here. If this comes up in conversation, please encourage people to do their part to limit physical interaction. Tools like Zoom and Skype are great ways to stay connected virtually!
- Lee County
- Yesterday, Lee County closed all of their parks and the Conservation 20/20 preserves, with the exception of boat ramps, until further notice.
- Lee County School District
- Online instruction began on Monday.
- State of Florida
- Governor DeSantis signed an executive order on Wednesday (https://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/docs/default-source/covid-resources/eo-20-91.pdf?sfvrsn=606dd5d5_0), effective Friday, that orders everyone who isn’t going out for essential work or an essential activity to stay at home. The list of essential and allowable work and activities is broad; provided below are some examples. When greater clarity is provided by the State, the Village will issue a dedicated article specifically focused on this topic of great importance.
- health care workers
- law enforcement
- utility workers
- journalists
- pharmacists
- gas station clerks
- plumbers
- landscapers
- weather forecasters
- employees of hardware stores
- employees of pet supply stores
- employees of gun stores
- employees of laundromats
- those caring for a loved one or friend
- those attending religious services
- those participating in recreational activities, consistent with social distancing, such as walking, biking, fishing, hunting, running or swimming
- Governor DeSantis has created an order that allows governments, such as ours, to reach meeting quorum via video or teleconferencing. We will support virtual public attendance via our live stream and eComment card tools, which are already in place.
- Governor DeSantis signed an executive order on Wednesday (https://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/docs/default-source/covid-resources/eo-20-91.pdf?sfvrsn=606dd5d5_0), effective Friday, that orders everyone who isn’t going out for essential work or an essential activity to stay at home. The list of essential and allowable work and activities is broad; provided below are some examples. When greater clarity is provided by the State, the Village will issue a dedicated article specifically focused on this topic of great importance.
- Village of Estero
- Village Council has asked the Village Manager to postpone the scheduling of future in-person Council meetings, given our interest in adhering to CDC gatherings guidelines. We may proceed with virtual meetings, instead, using the aforementioned digital tools.
Lee County Update
- Additional Lee Health tents have been erected at Convenient Care locations at Page Field and Pine Island Road. These tents will be used to help with triaging and cohorting patients with COVID-19 symptoms. #COVID19 #LeeHealthStrong #SWFLtogether
- The county’s website has been updated with information to reflect the governor’s order. Visit www.leegov.com/covid-19 for the most up to date information as it relates to this executive order. #COVID19 #stayhomeSWFL
- We have launched a Business Assistance Portal and Hotline. These resources are designed to help people understand how the different programs align to help various aspects of a business’ situation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click below to access the online portal, available 24/7, or call the hotline by dialing (239) 533-2273, available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. #COVID19
Lee County School District
- Online instruction to begin on Monday
- Based on recommendations from the Florida Department of Education, the School District of Lee County will extend its school closures until May 1, 2020. Additional school closures will be re-evaluated by the Florida Department of Education prior to May 1st, and any changes will continue to be communicated to our families.
In addition, the USDA has authorized the State of Florida to waive the requirement for children to be present during meal pick-up. Parents/guardians will now be able to pick up meals and take them home to their children.
For information regarding the District’s Distance Learning Plan, Grab & Go Meal locations, graduating senior requirements, and additional resources for families, please visit https://www.leeschools.net/distance_learning.
District staff continue to work with the Florida Department of Education to ensure students will not be negatively impacted by the changes to their learning process.
Thank you for your continued patience and support as we navigate through this unprecedented situation.
State of Florida Update
No New Update