Visit Pensacola Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Media Contact:

Nicole Stacey
Visit Pensacola
(850) 434-2142
nstacey@visitpensacola.com

Visit Pensacola, Inc. is closely monitoring statements from the Florida Department of Health, MyEscambia, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Travel, and the World Health Organization regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are committed to keeping our partners and stakeholders informed of the latest updates and to following the guidelines from these agencies and local departments.

While the risk remains low, we encourage our area tourism partners, residents, and visitors to take any appropriate preventative measures. The federal government has not recommended limiting domestic travel. Visit Pensacola remains aware and looks forward to the arrival of guests on their upcoming trip to experience the destination.

Here is specific information from the CDC regarding travel. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. As a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

For more detailed information, we recommend contacting the Florida Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), or the Escambia County Health Department at 850-595-6500. For a downloadable flyer regarding Coronavirus information and prevention mechanisms, Click here for a printable flyer from the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County.

Talking Points

What is Visit Pensacola doing in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) threat?

Visit Pensacola is supporting recommended measures on appropriate hygiene standards and following the guidance of the Florida Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local health authorities. Although the CDC has stated the threat of the COVID-19 in the United States remains low, we encourage our area tourism partners, residents, and visitors to take any relevant preventative measures.

What is the risk of contracting Coronavirus (COVID-19) for visitors to Pensacola?

Specific information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the MyEscambia and CDC websites. The tourism industry takes our standards for hygiene and cleanliness seriously. We are encouraging everyone to follow the guidelines of the global and local health authorities and take appropriate health and safety measures.

What should be done if a visitor expresses concern that they may have contracted Coronavirus?

If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact the FDOH Call Center (866-779-6121) or FDOH-Escambia’s number (850-595-6500) before traveling to any physician’s office, emergency department, hospital, or urgent care center, to ensure proper protective measures are taken to prevent further risk of spread to others.

About Visit Pensacola

Visit Pensacola is the destination management organization for Escambia County which includes Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. With over 450 years of rich history and 18 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordered by the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, visitors from all over the world are lured to our pristine shores every year. Visit Pensacola supports the community vision of tourism by serving as the central body responsible for building tourism as an economic engine for our community through leadership, connection, collaboration and communication.