Experience Kissimmee is aware that the coronavirus outbreak is of great concern and importance to travelers. The outbreak is having an impact on the travel industry, as have other health-related issues in the past. Experience Kissimmee’s first priority is the safety, health, and welfare of our staff, partners, and visitors to Kissimmee. We are closely monitoring guidance from government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and we will follow their direction as new information is released daily.

Statement from the Florida Department of Health:

COVID-19 can spread from person to person, like the flu, through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. People may contract COVID-19 by contaminating their hands with the virus and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth, among other ways.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes are more likely to develop serious illnesses.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The Florida Department of Health recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
• Staying home when you are sick;
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue;
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, 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. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty, and;
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Traveler Information from the CDC:

• Information for travelers from the CDC
• The CDC does not recommend limiting domestic air travel at this time
• Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues should avoid nonessential travel
• Passengers with plans to travel domestically by plane should contact their airline directly for specific information:
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Allegiant Air
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • Frontier Airlines
  • JetBlue
  • Silver Airways
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • United Airlines
• Businesses and employers should refer to the CDC for up-to-date guidance on business operation.

Tips for Preventing Illness from the CDC:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or the corner of your elbow
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with alcohol content of at least 60%
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Helpful Resources:

Florida Department of Health (DOH)

• Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• COVID-19 Call Center: 1-866-779-6121 (available 24/7)

U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC)

• Website
• Twitter
• Facebook

COVID Public Website and Call Center

Visit the Florida Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 web page for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.

For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center at (866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. Inquiries may also be emailed to [email protected].