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Monday's Afternoon Update

Fed to buy as much government debt as needed to aid economy

In its boldest effort to protect the U.S. economy from the coronavirus, the Federal Reserve says it will buy as much government debt as it deems necessary and will also begin lending to small and large businesses and local governments to help them weather the crisis. The Fed’s announcement Monday removes any dollar limits from its plans to support the flow of credit through an economy that has been ravaged by the viral outbreak More from Florida Politics.

Coronavirus in Florida: Are you an essential employee?

Over the past week, a number of states, including California and New York have ordered millions of residents to stay home due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. “We are anticipating that we will have a ‘stay at home’ order either through the state or in this area,” said Tampa mayor Jane Castor. More from WFLA.

Can you catch coronavirus from a corpse? Here’s what funeral homes are doing to stay safe

Death doesn’t take a holiday — nor does it heed public health advisories issued by the World Health Organization concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Elbow bumps edged out the traditional hand shakes and hugs among dozens of mourners at a recent wake and service in Hollywood. And this was two weeks ago, before “flatten the curve” became mandatory in South Florida — and much of the country — as officials closed restaurants, bars, gyms and other gathering establishments amid the coronavirus pandemic. More from the Miami Herald.

Local governments are giving themselves special powers in the time of coronavirus

Following up on his Saturday remarks about looking into using vacant facilities to isolate patients, DeSantis said his Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) has identified six vacant medical facilities to use for potential response to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. With state parks closed as of Monday, cities imposing curfews and counties closing beaches, several state lawmakers and its largest newspapers are pushing for a statewide lockdown as Florida’s coronavirus cases ballooned over 1,100. More from The Ledger.

Coronavirus Florida: Gov. DeSantis weighing options on statewide business shutdown, sheltering in place

FloridaMakes is partially funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. Its mission is to improve the productivity and technological performance of small- to medium-size manufacturers in Florida. NIST allots funds to the MEPs each year based upon the density of manufacturing in each state and how well the MEP in that state is accomplishing the mission. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Out of the Box
Florida business changes from making apparel to making masks

Fit USAJust last week, Fit USA Manufacturing was on the verge of shutting down with sporting events being cancelled across the country. But, rather than throw in the towel, the company owner Troy Olson and their general manager realized that they could help in the battle against the coronavirus. The fabric that helps athletes wick sweat off their bodies can also block moisture.

» More from WZDX.

 

Education
Florida teachers find creative way to put smiles on students' faces while schools are closed

Dawson Drive-ThruSchools might be shut down while the state fights the spread of COVID-19, but teachers from Warren Hope Dawson Elementary in Riverview still found a way to brighten their students' day. The teachers got in their cars, formed a caravan, and drove around their students' neighborhoods, honking and waiving from their vehicles while the kids and their families stood in their driveways.

» Read more from WTSP.