Purpose


Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory illness that can spread among humans through respiratory transmission and presents with symptoms similar to those of influenza. COVID-19 is a communicable disease with significant morbidity and mortality and presents a severe danger to public health. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On March 1, 2020, a Public Health Emergency was declared by the Surgeon General to exist statewide in accordance with Executive Order 20-51. On March 9, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-52 declaring that a state of emergency exists in the State of Florida. Therefore, there is an immediate need to adopt rules setting forth the procedures to control the spread of COVID-19 to protect the health, safety and welfare of Florida’s citizens.