ORLANDO, Fla. — 12 a.m. update
The travel ban from most of Europe to the U.S. is in effect. The U.K. is not included in the ban, and the ban also does not apply to U.S. citizens.
See our in-depth coverage below:
5:42 p.m. update
All public schools in Florida are closed. Watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News NOW for live updates on this developing story.
5:40 p.m. update
Royal Caribbean announced it is pausing all of its U.S. sailing starting at midnight Friday for the next 30 days.
5:32 p.m. update
Orange County Public Schools posted an announcement on their website that their classes will be cancelled until March 30.
Read the district’s statement below:
“With new direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Florida Department of Education announced today all state schools will close for one additional week beyond spring break (returning March 30 in Orange County). State testing will also be delayed by two weeks and all extra-curricular activities will be suspended. More details to follow.”
BREAKING: @OCPSnews will have schools closed until March 30th, more to details to come.
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) March 13, 2020
Know that we are equally concerned about supporting working parents & making sure kids have food to eat during this elongated break, too. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/ptAm2ZjGT0
5:25 p.m. update
Volusia and Marion counties have both also announced that they are cancelling classes for until March 30.
From Marion County schools superintendent ⬇️ We’re waiting on more details from Florida Department of Education @EducationFL https://t.co/5F49iRZ5jC
— Michael Lopardi (@MLopardiWFTV) March 13, 2020
5 p.m. update
Flagler Schools sent out an email Friday afternoon stating that following the urging of Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, all schools are to take an additional week off due to the threat of COVID-19.
Flagler officials said that means their students will not report back to school until March 30. They said all extra-curricular activities are also postponed for the next 14 days.
Schools to be closed for two weeks pic.twitter.com/DqfQbkbcUy
— Mike Springer WFTV (@mspringerwftv) March 13, 2020
READ: Here’s what Central Florida schools, universities are doing to address coronavirus concerns
4:40 p.m. update
President Donald Trump said he does not plan to self-isolate but will “most likely” be tested for the coronavirus after being photographed next to someone who tested positive for the virus.
Pres. Trump: "I didn't say I wasn't going to be tested."
— ABC News (@ABC) March 13, 2020
Reporter: "Are you going to be?"
Trump: "Most likely, yeah." https://t.co/saJgXKpl32 pic.twitter.com/GoVv1zMM4W
ÚLTIMA HORA: Trump declara emergencia nacional ante la pandemia de Coronavirus
4:13 p.m. update
We’ll be here from 4-6:30 to bring you the latest on the fight against the Coronavirus here in Central Florida and around the country and world. We are here to inform and not scare you. pic.twitter.com/8UlMOaZrAl
— Vanessa Echols (@VEcholsWFTV) March 13, 2020
4:05 p.m. update
Seminole County Public Schools announced Friday that it received the following guidance from the Florida Health Department and Department of Education:
• Anyone (students/faculty/staff/etc.) who go on foreign travel, to any country, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return.
• Anyone (students/faculty/staff/etc.) who go on a cruise, anywhere, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return.
In addition, students with proof of international or cruise travel that must self-isolate will receive excused absences during the self-isolation period.
4 p.m. update
Rollins College students are moving out of their dorms Friday after the school announced that its classes are going online only for the remainder of the semester.
Roughly 1,200 students live on campus. They need to be out by March 20, though they can apply for a waiver. The college said the reason to have students move out is social distancing and concerns about returning after spring break travel #WFTV
— Michael Lopardi (@MLopardiWFTV) March 13, 2020
Classes will go virtual after spring break and stay that way for the rest of the semester #WFTV
— Michael Lopardi (@MLopardiWFTV) March 13, 2020
READ: Here’s what Central Florida schools, universities are doing to address coronavirus concerns
3:45 p.m. update
President Donald Trump said the country is working to deploy a website in partnership with Google where people can fill out a questionnaire online regarding their symptoms and be connected with the nearest drive-through location to obtain COVID-19 testing.
"But we don't want people to take a test if we feel that they shouldn't be doing it," Pres. Trump adds.
— ABC News (@ABC) March 13, 2020
"We don't want everyone running out and taking it. Only if you have certain symptoms." https://t.co/saJgXKpl32 https://t.co/fH8psKoTnW
3:40 p.m. update
President Donald Trump announced that he has declared a national emergency in response to the coronavirus.
BREAKING: Pres. Trump declares national emergency.
— ABC News (@ABC) March 13, 2020
— Opens up to $50 billion for states, territories and localities.
— Calls for states to set up emergency centers.
— Calls on hospitals to activate emergency preparedness plans.
— Confers new authorities to HHS secretary. pic.twitter.com/AMLe2eOjWX
3:20 p.m. update
Crayola Experience is temporarily shutting down all of its locations and stores, including in Orlando, for a two-week period as of the close of business Friday amid coronavirus concerns.
ÚLTIMA HORA: 51 casos adicionales confirmados en Florida; estado de emergencia
3 p.m. update
LEGOLAND Florida Resort announced Friday that it will temporarily close its theme park and water park beginning at close of business on Sunday through the end of the month. Officials said LEGOLAND accommodations will remain open during that time.
READ: Coronavirus: Which Orlando theme parks are closed and for how long?
2:50 p.m. update
The Villages announced it is cancelling its St. Patrick’s Day events as well as all of its town square entertainment until otherwise announced.
We appreciate your patience during this time and thank you for understanding.
Posted by The Villages, Florida's Friendliest Hometown on Friday, March 13, 2020
2:43 p.m. update
Health officials said 51 people in Florida have have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, 45 are Florida residents.
2:35 p.m. update
Seminole State College announced Friday that it is moving classes online effective Monday, March 16.
We continue to monitor the ever-evolving Coronavirus situation. We are putting plans in place to minimize the impact to our college community. We will have an update this afternoon. Please continue to check https://t.co/eXC3nJY3y0 for the latest information. pic.twitter.com/2IV6ds7wgq
— Seminole State (@SeminoleState) March 13, 2020
READ: Here’s what Central Florida schools, universities are doing to address coronavirus concerns
2:28 p.m. update
Health officials said there is so far no evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in Florida, but that the investigation into tracing each case is ongoing.
READ: Coronavirus: 10 reasons you should not panic
2:25 p.m. update
Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state has obtained 1,000 of the 2,500 tests for COVID-19 that it has ordered so far. He said they will be delivered to hospitals and facilities starting with those with the highest need.
2:22 p.m. update
SeaWorld announced it will close all of its theme parks effective March 16 through the rest of the month.
An update on park operations during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. For more information please visit https://t.co/VJihdaNges pic.twitter.com/M4vJSPfZ5J
— SeaWorld (@SeaWorld) March 13, 2020
READ: Coronavirus: Which Orlando theme parks are closed and for how long?
2:20 p.m. update
Gov. Ron DeSantis is prohibiting visitation for the next 30 days to nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Broward County, which currently has 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
1:55 p.m. update
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is giving a live update on the coronavirus in Florida.
12:45 p.m. update
Officials said the Orange County resident who died in California after contracting COVID-19 had traveled to South Korea and was identified in the airport upon return as being at risk for the virus.
Officials said that person’s death will count as a case in Orange County because the person lived here, even though the person never set foot in Florida while they were infected.
12:25 p.m. update
Officials said the Orange County resident infected with COVID-19 who died in California never set foot in Florida while infected. They said the person was isolated in California after traveling internationally.
Officials citing privacy concerns said they could not release any other information about the person who died.
>>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE NEWS CONFERENCE <<<
ÚLTIMA HORA: Todo lo que ocurre con Coronavirus a nivel mundial y en Florida Central
12:22 p.m. update
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said he has declared a state of emergency in the county and canceled county-sponsored events.
“We do not want it to match down your street. We do not want it to match into your household.”
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) March 13, 2020
Mayor @JerryDemings is recommending ALL gatherings of 250 or more people be postponed or canceled. @WFTV #coronavirus #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Zbx9ao7hTO
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he has also declared a state of emergency in Orlando and canceled city event through the end of the month.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer issuing a state of emergency for City of Orlando. Also recommending all gatherings 250 people or more be canceled or postponed in the city for the next month. @WFTV #coronavirus #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/xUNGUpsx9l
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) March 13, 2020
12:20 p.m. update
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said an Orange County resident who recently traveled abroad died of COVID-19 in California.
Orange County Mayor @JerryDemings says an Orange County resident has died from the #coronavirus in California. @WFTV #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/qBzrbBBQ5e
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) March 13, 2020
11:55 a.m. update
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is scheduled to host a news conference giving an update on the coronavirus at noon. Click the link below or watch Channel 9 to tune in LIVE.
11:30 a.m. update
SeaWorld Orlando announced Friday that it is currently operating on its normal schedule.
“We will continue to monitor the situation for changes, collaborate with health officials and take the necessary steps to address the health and safety needs of guests, ambassadors and animals,” a spokeswoman said.
READ: Coronavirus: What Central Florida events are canceled this weekend?
10:55 a.m. update
Brevard Public Schools sent out a message to parents Friday letting them know that any students, faculty or staff who go on a cruise or travel to any foreign country must self-isolate for 14 days upon return.
BPS to follow direction from @EducationFL & @HealthyFla
— Brevard Schools (@BrevardSchools) March 13, 2020
• Any students, faculty/staff who go on a cruise, anywhere, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return.
• Any students, faculty/staff who go on foreign travel, to any country, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return.
The district also said that all field trips and overnight athletic events have been canceled by Brevard Public Schools through April.
Please be advised: All field trips and overnight athletic events have been canceled by Brevard Public Schools through April. This is to reduce risk of the spread of COVID-19.
— Brevard Schools (@BrevardSchools) March 13, 2020
READ: How Central Florida schools, universities are addressing coronavirus concerns
10:30 a.m. update
The Orlando Union Rescue Mission announced Friday that it is canceling its Easter Banquet to minimize crowd contact and will instead hand out meals on Good Friday to those who need them.
READ: Coronavirus: What is a state of emergency and how does it work?
10:17 a.m. update
The Masters tournament has been postponed amid coronavirus concerns. Read the organization’s full statement below:
Statement from Chairman Ridley:
— The Masters (@TheMasters) March 13, 2020
"Considering the latest information and expert analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone @TheMasters, @anwagolf and @DriveChipPutt National Finals."
Full details at https://t.co/FX2AN1MLsY pic.twitter.com/Z2DjS5TYdG
10:15 a.m. update
Orlando International Airport officials said Friday that there have been no changes to flight operations due to the travel restrictions that go into place to and from Europe at midnight.
I asked @MCO if it was getting some last minute flights added from Europe ahead of the ban that goes into effect tonight. I was told no changes to operations so far. Saw flights are coming in from Amsterdam, Frankfurt & Reykjavik tonight @WFTV pic.twitter.com/2d0TOPOVh6
— Cierra Putman WFTV (@CPutman_WFTV) March 13, 2020
10:05 a.m. update
Channel 9 reporter Q McCray spotted gas prices below $2 a gallon in Sanford. He said gas prices are getting cheaper as travel demands are down.
Unleaded for $1.99/gal? 🙋🏾♂️Gas prices are getting cheaper and cheaper since travel demands are down. #CoronaOutbreak @WFTV @AAAnews @SamsClub in Sanford, fl. pic.twitter.com/k4VzhOyn34
— Q McCray (@QMcCrayWFTV) March 13, 2020
Click here to read more about how the coronavirus is impacting travel in Central Florida.
10 a.m. update
The Florida Department of Health said all three people who tested positive for the coronavirus in Volusia County were on a Nile River tour. The department did not specify if they were all on the same cruise, or if they had contact with one another.
But the department did say there is no evidence of communal spread in Volusia County.
Update from .@HealthyFla all 3 Volusia Cases were on a Nile River tour. It cannot say if it was the same one or if any of the 3 had contact with each other. It says there is NO evidence of a communal spread at this point and it has been in touch w/ those in close contact w/sick
— Mike Springer WFTV (@mspringerwftv) March 13, 2020
READ: Company creates high-speed coronavirus test, gets approval from FDA
9:45 a.m. update
Stocks opened sharply higher on Wall Street Friday, a day after market’s worst fall since 1987. On Friday morning, the Dow surged 1,200 points, or 5.8%.
READ: ‘This is bad’: Wall Street sees worst day since 1987 as coronavirus fears spread
9:32 a.m. update
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings will hold a news conference at noon to discuss the impact of coronavirus to Orange County. There have not yet been any confirmed cases in the county.
You can watch his remarks LIVE here or on our Facebook page.
8:29 a.m. update
U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage for college students who need to move due to the coronavirus.
“We don’t know how every student is affected. But we know they are affected,” said U-Haul President John Taylor. “More and more universities are giving instructions to leave campus and go home. Students and their parents are in need of moving and storage solutions. We have the expertise and network to help, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
The free month applies to new customers with college IDs and is a limited-time offer subject to availability.
Click here to find your nearest self-storage unit.
6:41 a.m. update:
With Walt Disney World and Universal Studios closing indefinitely after Sunday, the coronavirus outbreak is already having a huge impact on Central Florida’s economy.
Travel will also be restricted from 26 European countries beginning tonight at 11:59 p.m.
Read: How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting air travel in Orlando?
Wrapping up my stint with #TeamNoSleep @MCO covering the Europe travel ban which goes into effect tonight at 11:59 @WFTV pic.twitter.com/jc7Vx60wWx
— Cierra Putman WFTV (@CPutman_WFTV) March 13, 2020
Check out our team coverage below:
4:16 a.m. updates:
The Florida Department of Health announced that 17 individuals with ties to Florida tested positive for coronavirus as of Thursday evening. The latest case involves a 42-year-old man with ties to Miami-Dade County. Officials said that his is a travel-related case.
DOH has announced one additional positive case of COVID-19, bringing the total confirmed new cases for March 12th to 17 individuals who tested positive for #COVID19. All individuals are being appropriately cared for & isolated. Visit https://t.co/e1S8bGG26U for more information.
— Florida Dept. Health (@HealthyFla) March 13, 2020
READ: TIMELINE: Coronavirus updates for March 12
All patients remain isolated while they are being monitored.
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Additional coverage:
READ: Which Central Florida colleges, universities have moved to online classes?
READ: Coronavirus checklist: 100-plus disinfectants that may kill coronavirus on surfaces
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