COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Call Center
The Department of Health's COVID-19 Call Center is open 24/7 and can be reached at
1 (866) 779-6121. You can also email
COVID-19@flhealth.gov.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
View the Department of Health's (DOH) COVID-19 vaccine resources and additional guidance on how to best protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19.
OMMU Guidance
Review guidance from the OMMU for qualified patients, caregivers, physicians and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers.
For the latest information on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health's website.
The COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 | 1 (866) 779-6121 | COVID-19@flhealth.gov
What you need to know about COVID-19 in Florida
Older adults, those with underlying medical conditions (like chronic lung diseases, heart conditions,
diabetes, smoking, etc.), and those pregnant and recently pregnant are at increased risk for severe
illness. Here’s what you can do right now:
| Where can I get a vaccine?
Florida has many sites that are providing COVID-19 vaccines for eligible residents. Vaccines are free at all locations.
|
How do I prevent COVID-19?
The best way to prevent illness is to get vaccinated. You should also avoid being exposed to the virus (and avoid exposing other people).
|
What do I do if I think I was exposed to COVID-19?If you are concerned about a potential exposure and your health status, get tested for COVID-19 at a testing site near you.
|
What do I do if I am sick?
Prevent COVID-19 from spreading to others by taking care of yourself, and taking precautions to prevent spreading the disease to others. Learn about new treatments, including monoclonal antibodies which can reduce hospitalization and death in high-risk individuals. |
Public Services | Resources | News | FAQ
Office of Medical Marijuana Use Guidance
Guidance for Patients and Caregivers:
The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) remains fully operational, and Medical Marijuana Use Registry identification card applications continue to be processed. Many Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) offer delivery, and some have been temporarily approved to offer curbside pick-up at dispensing locations for the duration of the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Please contact a licensed MMTC for information regarding delivery and curbside pick-up options.
To help contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the OMMU strongly urges all qualified patients and caregivers – particularly those individuals over the age of 65 or with serious underlying medical conditions – to follow social distancing guidelines and practice good hygiene habits. Please visit the Department of Health's COVID-19 website regularly to keep informed of the latest information. The COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 at (866) 779-6121.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns. The OMMU’s toll-free helpline is available weekdays, 8 am – 6 pm EST (excluding state holidays) and can be reached at (800) 808-9580.
Guidance for Physicians:
On June 26, 2021, Emergency Order 21-94 expired. As of June 27, 2021, the use of telemedicine services to re-certify existing patients in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry is no longer allowed.
On March 16, 2020, the Florida Department of Health issued Emergency Order 20-002, which allowed the use of telemedicine by qualified physicians for recertifications of already-existing patients. Under the order, qualified physicians under section 381.986, Florida Statutes, were authorized to issue a physician certification only for an existing qualified patient with an existing certification that was issued by that qualified physician without the need to conduct a physical examination while physically present in the same room as the patient. Telehealth services could only substitute the requirement to “conduct a physical examination while physically present in the same room as the patient,” as required by section 381.986(4)(a)1., Florida Statutes. Telehealth had the same meaning as section 456.47(1)(a). All other minimum practice requirements and standards of care still applied to recertifications issued under this exception - including obtaining informed written consent from the patient.
Emergency Order 20-002 only applied for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days; however, was extended by Emergency Order 20-011 until the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions. On April 27, 2021, Executive Order 21-94 extended Executive Order 20-52 for an additional 60 days.
The OMMU advises all qualified physicians to visit the Department’s Medical Quality Assurance COVID-19 website frequently to stay informed on the latest information.
Guidance for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs):
The OMMU has received multiple inquiries from MMTCs during the COVID-19 pandemic. MMTCs are encouraged to review their standard operating procedures to ensure consistency with the Governor’s State of Emergency (including the Executive Order issued on April 1, 2020, regarding essential services and activities during the statewide Safer At Home directive) and public health advisories issued by the State Surgeon General concerning individuals over the age of 65, individuals with serious underlying medical conditions, remote work and social distancing.
History of Emergency Order 20-002
On March 16, 2020, Emergency Order 20-002 was enacted to temporarily allow qualified physicians to use telemedicine only if they are re-certifying a patient who has an existing certification issued by the qualified physician.
On April 15, 2020, Emergency Order 20-004 was enacted to extend Emergency Order 20-002 until May 8, 2020.
On May 8, 2020, Emergency Order 20-007 was enacted to extend Emergency Order 20-002 until May 31, 2020.
On May 31, 2020, Emergency Order 20-009 was enacted to extend Emergency Order 20-002 until June 30, 2020.
On June 30, 2020, Emergency Order 20-011 was enacted to extend Emergency Order 20-002 until the expiration of Executive Order 20-52, including any extensions.
On April 27, 2021, Executive Order 21-94 extended Executive Order 20-52 for an additional 60 days.
On June 26, 2021, Emergency Order 21-94 expired. As of June 27, 2021, the use of telemedicine services to re-certify existing patients in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry is no longer allowed.
For more information, visit the Department of Health's COVID-19 website.
