Face Masks are not required in Polk County Public Schools for 2021 – 2022 School Year
Polk County Public Schools will not require face masks for the 2021 – 2022 school year. Beginning June 9, 2021, face masks are optional for students and staff.
Coronavirus Updates
This is our landing page for all articles related to COVID-19 in Lakeland and Polk County. Please check directly with sources for the most up-to-date Coronavirus information.
Where to get the COVID-19 Vaccine in Lakeland + Polk County
Florida residents ages 16 and up are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine. Whether you want an appointment or prefer to visit a walk-up location on your own time, we have a list of places you can find the COVID-19 Vaccine in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Polk County.
Q&A with Lakeland Regional Health: Teens and the COVID-19 Vaccine
In Florida, 16 and 17-year-olds are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We talked with Dr. Hal Escowitz at Lakeland Regional Health to get answers to your questions about Teens and the COVID-19 Vaccine.
Drug Therapy provided by LRH Helping High-Risk Children and Teens battle COVID-19
Antibody infusion treatments are available at Lakeland Regional Health for eligible patients ages 12+ who test positive for COVID-19. These infusions can reduce the severity of symptoms in patients with underlying health issues and eliminate the need for hospitalization.
Mobile Food Pantries in Polk County – Lakeland, Winter Haven, Mulberry, Auburndale, Bartow & more
The United Way of Central Florida’s George W. Jenkins End Hunger Initiative and Feeding Tampa Bay have weekly Mobile Food Pantry stops across Polk County. If you are in need of food, visit a food pantry location on the set day and time to pick up a pre-packaged box of groceries, free of charge.
All Saints Academy: Adapting with Innovation and Leadership during COVID-19
All Saints Academy is a local, independent private school known for its focus on innovation, creative thinking, teamwork, and leadership. These pillars took on a new, real-life meaning as ASA returned to on-campus learning this August during COVID-19.
Face Mask Mandate in Winter Haven Ends on October 15
On Monday, July 13 the Winter Haven City Commission voted to require face masks in indoor locations where social distancing cannot be maintained. A list of exceptions and additional details are included in the article.
Face Mask Mandate in Lakeland Ended on October 5
On Monday, October 5, 2020 the Lakeland City Commission did not extend the face mask mandate in Lakeland and it expired on October 5.
Halloween is not canceled! 13 Ideas for a Safe Halloween during COVID-19
We can still celebrate Halloween and enjoy Trick or Treating this year, we just need to get creative! We’ve got ideas for safer Halloween festivities.
COVID-19 Testing Sites in Lakeland and Polk County
If you have symptoms and are wondering where you can get tested for COVID-19 in Lakeland or Polk County, we’ve put together a list of community testing sites in our area. Both active virus testing and antibody testing are available locally.