St. Luke’s COVID-19 Task Force has been carefully monitoring COVID-19 cases in our area. As of July 21, the Florida Department of Health is reporting that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 11.2% (a rate not seen since January 2021). Three weeks ago, it was 4.28%. The total positive cases is 154,674 in Orange County. With the increase in local cases and percent positivity, and in keeping the health and safety of our congregation, community, and staff as our highest priority, St. Luke’s strongly recommends wearing a mask while on the church campus regardless of vaccination status.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings also strongly recommended this week that all residents – vaccinated and unvaccinated – consider wearing a mask indoors while in a crowded environment. And encouraged businesses to display signs to encourage patrons to wear a mask when indoors.

It is important that with COVID-19 variant cases on the rise, residents must do everything possible to protect themselves and their loved ones, which includes getting vaccinated, continuing to test, and following CDC health and safety guidelines.

The Task Force will continue to assess conditions and review guidance from the CDC, local government, and the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Watch your email, St. Luke’s website, and social media sites for updates.

St. Luke’s COVID-19 Task Force