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Latest news and updates from the University of Florida.
The Screen, Test & Protect initiative uses public health guidance and best practices aimed at fostering a culture of care for our community while taking steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as the University of Florida gradually returns faculty, staff and students to the campus environment.
Information from UF Health about the COVID-19 vaccines.
For general questions, please visit the UF COVID-19 FAQ page.
Resources and answers to frequently asked questions for faculty and staff can be found on the Extension Administration resources page.
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Unit |
Status |
Notes |
Contact |
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College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) |
Office is not accepting visitors, following UF protocol |
UF faculty and staff are working from home and responding to email, phone calls, and Zoom requests |
352-392-1963 |
For the latest Extension office closures and status updates, please view the Extension Offices — Local Updates web page.
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Unit |
Status |
Notes |
Contact |
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Citrus REC - Lake Alfred |
Closed to visitors |
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Everglades REC - Belle Glade |
Closed to visitors |
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Florida Medical Entomology Lab - Vero Beach |
Closed to visitors |
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Ft. Lauderdale REC - Davie |
Closed to visitors |
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Gulf Coast REC - Balm |
Closed to visitors |
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Gulf Coast REC - Plant City |
Closed to visitors |
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Indian River REC - Ft. Pierce |
Closed to visitors |
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Mid-Florida REC - Apopka |
Closed to visitors |
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North Florida REC - Marianna |
Closed to visitors |
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North Florida REC - Quincy |
Closed to visitors |
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North Florida REC - Suwannee Valley |
Closed to visitors |
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Range Cattle REC - Ona |
Closed to visitors |
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Southwest Florida REC - Immokalee |
Closed to visitors |
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Tropical REC - Homestead |
Closed to visitors |
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West Florida REC - Jay |
Closed to visitors |
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West Florida REC - Milton |
Closed to visitors |
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Unit |
Status |
Notes |
Contact |
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Plant Science Research and Education Unit |
Closed to visitors |
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Hastings Agricultural Extension Center |
Facility is open, but all offices and other buildings remain closed to the public. |
PI’s and cooperators with ongoing field work may participate in essential research related activities with prior authorization for essential work related travel, notification to respective Farm Manager (Scott Chambers), and a clear understanding and implementation of all UF/IFAS & CDC recommendations pertaining to a phased 1 re-opening approach of Research and Extension related activities.
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Christian Christensen |
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Ordway-Swisher Biological Station |
Closed to visitors |
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Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory |
Closed to visitors |
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Nature Coast Biological Station |
Closed to visitors |
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Unit |
Status |
Notes |
Contact |
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Cherry Lake |
Summer camp cancelled. Refunds have been processed or are currently being processed. Location closed to outside groups through July 31. |
Browse and register for virtual summer camp programming/opportunities. |
John Myrick (850) 929-4429 |
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Timpoochee |
Summer camp cancelled. Refunds have been processed or are currently being processed. Location closed to outside groups through July 31. |
Browse and register for virtual summer camp programming/opportunities. |
Ariel Blanton (850) 897-2224 |
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Cloverleaf |
Summer camp cancelled. Refunds have been processed or are currently being processed. Location closed to outside groups through July 31. |
Browse and register for virtual summer camp programming/opportunities. |
William Tillet (863) 465-4884 |
Are you a farmer looking for opportunities to connect and sell directly consumers? UF/IFAS is assisting commodity associations in collecting this information for promotion. To be listed on the FFVA site, follow instructions on the consumer sales page and email the requested information.
Are you looking to buy directly from growers? Check these pages for produce availability:
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association | FDACS Florida Farm to You
USDA Rural Development COVID-19 Response
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Florida's major economic sectors of the agriculture industry have already been significant. UF/IFAS has assembled a list of disaster relief programs from the State of Florida and the federal government to support businesses and individuals through this tough time. Florida’s Department of Agriculture website contains more information and resource for businesses. That includes the CARES Act Economic Impact stimulus program. We will continue to add to this list, so please check back.
This program from the USDA will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
UF/IFAS blog post.
To help directly support farmers impacted by the current crisis, American Farmland Trust is launching a new Farmer Relief Fund. 100% of donations to the fund will go directly to farmers.
In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Emergency Advance
Florida small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) may now apply for short-term, interest-free loans through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program.
For those who have been laid off
Please use the following resources to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Follow the UF/IFAS Family and Consumer Sciences Program on Facebook for more tips and resources.
Proper Handwashing Series | Serie Adecuada de Lavado de Manos
Washing your hands frequently one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Guidance for making hand sanitizer at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleaning followed by disinfection is recommended by the CDC as a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.
Monster Mixtures: Dangerous Household Cleaning Combinations |Mezclas monstruosas: ¡Combinaciones peligrosas de limpieza doméstica!
Common household cleaning products are safe to use by themselves but can be dangerous when mixed. Check out this infographic to learn to avoid these monster mixtures.
Nightly Cleaning Routine | Limpieza Nocturna
A checklist for cleaning your home to prevent spread of viruses and bacterial.
Indoor Air and Coronavirus
Recommendations from the EPA on indoor ventilation and air filtration.
How COVID-19 is different from the flu
Video from UF Health about how COVID-19 differs from the flu.
Preparing for an Outbreak in Your Community
A COVID-19 outbreak could last for a long time in your community. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community.
What to Do if You are Sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow these steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to others.
Extension Cord Podcast on Food Safety
As many of us cook more at home, learn how to select, store, and prepare food safely.
COVID-19 in Kids
UF Health physicians address common concerns surrounding COVID-19 and your child's safety.
COVID-19 and Pregnant Women
Important information from UF Health on what is known about the novel coronavirus and pregnancy.
Engaging the Elderly While Social Distancing
A video from UF Health on how to engage with older friends and family members during the coronavirus crisis while still adhering to social distancing recommendations.
Communicating with Older Adults in a Health Crisis
Communication tips to help families and friends of older adults protect—and respect—their elders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Are you looking to buy directly from growers? Check these pages for produce availability:
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association | FDACS Florida Farm to You
Is Coronavirus a Concern on Fresh Produce?
CDC, FDA and USDA are not aware of any reports at this time of human illnesses that suggest coronavirus can be transmitted by food or food packaging.
Pantry Prep: Stocking Up for Emergencies | Prepare su despensa: Cómo abastecerse para emergencias
With many of us trying to go to the grocery store less often, this infographic gives you strategies for stocking up on staples and tips for making food last.
Your grocery and food-safety questions answered
How consumers can safely shop for groceries and handle food during the coronavirus pandemic.
Florida-Friendly Edible Landscaping
Produce vegetables, herbs, and fruits in an environmentally-friendly way by applying the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles.
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide
Raising Backyard Chickens for Eggs
Videos
Find more recipes, tips, and nutrition education from the UF/IFAS Food and Nutrition Program (FNP).
Farm and Food-Safety FAQs Answered by UF/IFAS Scientists
How farms keep food safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
Properly Dispose of Unwanted Medications
Have unwanted medications you want to get rid of? Here’s how to do it right.
Think Before You Flush | Piense antes de tirar la cadena
While you shelter in place, remember what you can and cannot flush down the toilet.
Is Coronavirus a Concern with Takeout?
Current scientific understanding of coronavirus risk and takeout
Download the UF/IFAS Extension Money Management Calendar
A free tool for creating and sticking to a budget
Coping with a Money Crunch: Family Cooperation
How to get the whole family on the same page during financially challenging times.
Family Money Problems
Strategies for managing your family’s money.
Strategies for effective leadership and teamwork while working from home during uncertain times.
Balancing Work and Caregiving: A Guide for Employers
Managing in Tough Times: Maintaining Your Access to Health Care
If you lose your job and your employer had health insurance available to you, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities with respect to maintaining your health care coverage.
Managing in Tough Times: Building Your Assets by Volunteering and Networking
Through networking and volunteerism opportunities new people are met, job skills fostered, and you market yourself to your community and potential employers.
Managing Stress During a Pandemic
Strategies for coping with and mitigating stress during this uncertain time.
Identifying Unhealthy Anxiety During the Coronavirus Crisis
Experts at UF Health discuss how to know if you or a loved one are experiencing unhealthy levels of anxiety and offer tips to manage it.
Coping with Stress During Job Loss | Cómo manejar el estrés al perder el empleo
Ways to take care of yourself during the stress of a job loss
Parenting in the Time of COVID-19
Quick tips for processing emotions and staying positive
How to Talk to Kids and Manage Stress
UF Health physicians are here to help manage you and your child's stress during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Promoting positive behavior in children during COVID-19 crisis
In this video from UF Health, learn how getting back into a routine and spending just five to 10 minutes of focused interaction with children can lead to improvement in behavior.
COVID-19 Considerations for Animal Activities at Fairs, Shows, and Other Events
CDC guidance on biosecurity steps and materials for maintaining healthy environments in animal interaction areas, precautions for animals, maintaining healthy operation, and social distancing strategies for livestock and horse shows.
Super Soap versus Klaus the Germ
Dr. Karla Shelnutt with the UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program, reads the children's book Super Soap vs Klaus the Germ, which teaches kids about proper handwashing. Download the book for free.
Follow Florida 4-H on Social Media
For media inquiries related to the University of Florida's response to COVID-19, contact Steve Orlando, 352-273-3819.
If you are looking for a local UF/IFAS expert, please contact the public relations specialist for your region. For specific agriculture inquiries, please contact newsifas@ifas.ufl.edu.
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