Responding to COVID-19 in South Lake County

COVID-19 IMPORTANT UPDATES

The health and wellbeing of our community is a top priority for the Community Foundation of South Lake County. We are closely monitoring the local impact of the global coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak. We are working in close collaboration with our partners to ensure we’re ready and available to mobilize resources where they are most needed.

In times like these, philanthropy becomes even more important.

The COVID-19 outbreak poses many challenges to public health and safety, economic stability and community service delivery. Our most vulnerable populations will be hit the hardest — those who are one paycheck away from hunger or homelessness, the elderly and families in need of childcare. It is critical that our health and human service organizations continue to operate at the highest capacity, particularly as they brace for a potential surge in demand for services.

Meanwhile, many local nonprofits are facing the immediate reality of lost income as they cancel key revenue-generating activities. We encourage you to consider making a general operating grant from your Donor Advised Fund to your favorite local agencies so that our neighbors can access basic needs in this time of crisis.    

For those seeking recommendations, we offer several organizations that are addressing immediate needs with the broadest reach.

Based on recommendations from public health officials related to social distancing, all Community Foundation staff will work remotely until further notice.

Our main number, 352-394-3818, will be operational from 9:00 am to 5 pm weekdays and staff can be contacted by email. All meetings scheduled at our office will be held telephonically or postponed until a later date.

As always, we are here for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kathy Smith at kathy@cfslc.org.

COVID-19 is believed to be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to the way the flu and other respiratory viruses are spread. Symptoms can be fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

The CDC recommends the following actions to prevent the spread of illnesses like coronavirus or the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Updated information about COVID-19 can be found through the following resources:

• Center for Disease Control
• Florida Department of Health
• World Health Organization