FELLSMERE — Seven weeks ago, as cases of the coronavirus rose in Indian River County and throughout the Treasure Coast, Florida’s Health Department reported only one …
FELLSMERE — Seven weeks ago, as cases of the coronavirus rose in Indian River County and throughout the Treasure Coast, Florida’s Health Department reported only one case of the novel virus in Fellsmere.
In a city of nearly 6,000 people, health officials said a lack of testing capacity and educational outreach likely kept the case count close to zero. But now, in a week where new cases and positivity rates are at a record high, Fellsmere is reporting at least 139 cases of the virus.
A large swath of Vero Beach, which includes Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, had 324 cases Friday, according to state Department of Health data. Fellsmere now has the second highest case count in the county.
“Fellsmere is a mess,” said Jesse Zermeno, president of the nonprofit organization Operation Hope at 12285 County Road 512. “A lot of people are getting infected.”
More: Fellsmere has 1 confirmed case of COVID-19; may signal need for more testing, health officer says
Zermeno’s organization continues to provide support, education, and assistance to Fellsmere families throughout the global pandemic, he said. Last week alone, at least 150 cars and 1,000 people received food from Operation Hope.
But as infections continue to rise in the city, Zermeno said many people are heeding advice not from local health experts, but rather the state government and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
In a news conference last week, DeSantis said migrant farm workers are expediting Florida’s surge in COVID-19 cases. The assertion was quickly met with resistance from aid organizations and health officials.
Effective Monday morning, masks will be required in unincorporated Indian River County for employees serving the public in restaurants and stores and those visiting and working in county facilities, County Administrator Jason Brown announced Friday.
Fellsmere Mayor Joel Tyson said he expects the city to pass a mask mandate in the coming days.
“We’re going to follow the lead of the county,” Tyson told TCPalm late Friday afternoon. While the next city council meeting is not scheduled until July 16, Tyson said a mandate should come sooner than that.
Major COVID-19 testing locations, and those closest to Fellsmere, are Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and Sebastian River Medical Center.
