Most COVID-19 cases in Sumter County are concentrated in the state prison and long-term care facilities, County Administrator Bradley Arnold told commissioners Tuesday night.
“There is no indication of any community spread,” he said.
Arnold said the county health department recently completed 739 tests at long-term care facilities and is awaiting full results.
“These facilities are of most concern,” he said.
As of Tuesday, the county had 253 cases and 17 deaths. Of those cases, 214 people have recovered.
Most Villagers live in Sumter County. Some recently have relaxed social distancing, congregating for driveway parties and other events. Businesses also are reopening in line with the governor’s orders.
Commissioners also voted to take advantage of CARES Act fund, which is congressional appropriates to offset the effects of the pandemic. The county will apply for a federal grant of about $1 million to provide transportation services to disadvantaged people in rural areas.
Arnold said about half of Florida’s CARES Act allocation of $4.58 billion will go to 12 counties each with more than 500,000 residents. Those counties are required to spend the money by the end of the year.
He said the use of the money is flexible and there are few strings attached. .
Commissioner Al Butler said the county needs to focus on restarting the economy and reducing unemployment.
“We’re faced with the challenge to get our economy back in line,” he said.
Last week, Halsey Beshears, secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, approved a plan to allow vacation rentals to resume in the county.
Arnold also said Sumter County recently completed an agreement with AMR, which provides local ambulance services, to handle evacuation of residents if needed during an emergency.
