Reporting on the coronavirus can feel scary. We’ve been treading pretty lightly on the topic for good reasons. There’s a lot of misinformation out there and we don’t want to cause panic, but we also know this is something on the back of everyone’s minds so we’ve done our best to round up some fast facts below.

• So far, Florida has confirmed three cases of the coronavirus, one in Manatee County and two in Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough patient had traveled to Italy where she most likely contracted it and after coming home, passed it to her sister (yesterday’s third case). Meanwhile, the other patient had no travel history.
• As of yesterday, 247 people were being “monitored” for COVID-19 (this could mean they have traveled to a country where there’s been a big outbreak but so far show no symptoms) and 24 tests have returned with negative results. Those numbers are up slightly from last week, but that’s to be expected — the increase has more to do with better access to testing kits — and Florida’s new ability to test locally — than with any sure signal that the virus is spreading.
• Local officials said that it’s only a matter of time before it shows up in Orlando and that they’re currently in preparation mode, but when needed, they will switch to response mode. Orange County public safety director Danny Banks said there’s a “major focus on quick diagnosis, decontamination and the healthy transport of patients”.
• This is a good read from News 6 for debunking myths about the coronavirus. The biggest takeaway is: Don’t panic. There’s a lot of information circulating about the coronavirus, including misinformation. Follow official resources like established news websites, the CDC, the Florida Department of Health and the National Institutes of Health.

In the meantime, wash your hands (at a recommended time and tune of 20 seconds), practice good hygiene, stay home when sick and avoid contact with people who are sick.

Got any questions? We’re learning right along with you all and trying to stay ready so hit reply and let us know what you’re curious about, or what else we should try to highlight.

In other news…

The SheBelieves Cup kicks off tomorrow at Exploria Stadium. The first match between Spain and Japan starts at 4:15 p.m. But the match we’re most looking forward to is USA versus England at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available and start at $25. (SoccerWire)

Amazon now offers same-day delivery service in Orlando. Sometimes within five hours of placing your order. 😲 You can check if the service is available in your zip code by going to amazon.com/sameday. (Orlando Sentinel)

Earlier this week, we shared that Orlando Sentinel workers had formed the Sentinel Guild, an employee union and asked their parent company, Tribune Publishing, to recognize them as such. But, Tribune disagreed, and in turn has forced the Guild to hold an election. (Orlando Weekly)

Rev. Mary Lee Downey was named the Orlando Sentinel’s 2019 Central Floridian of the Year last week, and we didn’t want to let the news get by you. We had the privilege of meeting Mary early on in Pulptown’s infancy and she’s a force to be reckoned with. Get to know her and what she’s doing to push for change in the affordable housing space. (Orlando Sentinel)

Looking to cut back on your spending? Us too. This roundup of local cheap eats is a pretty good one. You can find a million other categories in the Orlando Sentinel’s 2020 foodie awards with a quick search. (Orlando Sentinel)

A week ago, we shared a few local “middle-age success stories” prompted by an article where a TV writer asked her followers to share their successes from their 30s and 40s. We then asked you for your own, and wanted to share two of those responses below. 👇

“My big middle age achievement is that I got married for the first time at 48. I was beginning to wonder if I was ever going to meet a man I’d want to spend the second half of life with. I couldn’t be happier. He was well worth the wait!” — Monica T. 

“At the age of 50 I opened The Orlando Cat Café — the first cat café to open in Florida. It took 20 months to jump through the hoops but this week we are celebrating our 800th adoption and over 70,000 visitors! Next step – thinking about going back to school to obtain my Master’s Degree!  #nevertoolate — Sandy C.

Thanks for being you, Orlando, and for listening and sharing your stories with us. 😊

If you weren’t already sold on the events in our calendar above, we’ve got a few other once-in-a-lifetime suggestions for you, all happening tonight.

Gladys Knight is performing at the Dr. Phillips Center, Trixie Mattel is putting on a show at The Plaza Live, and WKMG-TV and the Orlando Solar Bears are hosting a casting call for the hit CBS show “Love Island” at Ember.

Stay cool, Orlando,

— Pulptown