2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

COVID-19 testing is rolling down a street near you

By Tristan Wood | June 4, 2020

Mobile testing bus visits two Gainesville areas a day

Guests at Anthem Tattoo Parlor are welcomed by a sign designating safe protocols, masks and a digital thermometer when they enter the door for their appointments.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Inside a changing industry: Tattoo and Piercing Parlors

By Avery Lotz | June 4, 2020

While Gainesville tattoo parlors have not received direct instructions from the state on how to reopen, they have received permission to restart business

LifeSouth donors will receive a COVID-19 antibody screening.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Gainesville blood bank facing donation shortages

By Carissa Costello | June 3, 2020

Fewer donors are participating in blood drives across the U.S. because of COVID-19. Gainesville-based LifeSouth Community Blood Center is among those in need.

The masks are made from cotton quilting fabric, clear vinyl and T-shirt yarn.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Gainesville occupational therapist sews masks for deaf, autistic communities

By Amanda Macia | May 28, 2020

The handmade masks with clear vinyl panels are meant to improve communication in the workplace

Rachel Bender fostered 11 dogs over the last four months, but eventually adopted one: an 8-year-old beagle named Bagels.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Inside a changing industry: Animal Rescues

By Hannah Bobek | May 28, 2020

Local rescues are finding that more people are fostering animals, but less are adopting

UF's Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering supervisors determined which staff members could not perform their work from home and began screening and testing them last week, according to an email sent to faculty and staff.

COVID 19 | UF

UF College of Engineering details plan for Fall

By Nicole Rodriguez | May 28, 2020

The university has initiated a screening and testing program

Nawaf Alrogiaee celebrates Eid al-Fitr from his family’s Gainesville home alongside his two children, Ammar, 7, and Alia, 1.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

“I feel like this is the one most close to my heart”: Gainesville family reflects on the end of the Islamic holy month

By Tristan Wood | May 24, 2020

With limits on gatherings because of COVID-19, Muslims are embracing an unusual Eid al-Fitr.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County weekly COVID-19 update

By Grethel Aguila | May 22, 2020

The amount of new cases each week has decreased since late April.

Anne Saville, an instructor at Happy Kiss Pole Fitness teaches one of her first virtual classes during the studio’s closure.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Inside Gainesville gyms’ first week after reopening

By Avery Lotz | May 22, 2020

Gyms were able to welcome members back Monday, but they’ve taken different approaches to reopening.

Volunteers have expanded the project to provide relief through food outreach, telehealth outreach and babysitting for medical professional’s kids.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

UF medical students help homeless during COVID-19

By Nicole Rodriguez | May 22, 2020

They started the UF chapter of the COVID-19 Student Service Corps.

COVID 19 | UF

UF students weigh in on SG rent relief bill

By Meghan McGlone | May 20, 2020

UF Student Government Senate passed the bill Tuesday.

Adjusting to new rules during the pandemic has been challenging for everyone, but for people with disabilities, adapting to the new normal can be a lot more challenging.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

COVID-19 complicates life for people with disabilities

By Kaelyn Cassidy | May 20, 2020

Many say they have faced additional challenges while adjusting to the “new normal" brought about by the coronavirus.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

County Commission removes and reinstates face mask requirement in the same day

By Tristan Wood | May 19, 2020

Gainesville City Commissioners said they would create their own face covering requirement.

COVID 19 | UF

UF online, international and DACA students won’t receive aid from CARES Act

By Nicole Rodriguez | May 19, 2020

Amid the struggles of COVID-19, some UF students are not eligible for federal aid.

Denise Garcia and Jeffery Davis wear face masks in downtown Gainesville.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

County votes to end face mask order

By Tristan Wood | May 19, 2020

Commissioners said the requirement can be reinstated if cases increase.

Denise Garcia and Jeffery Davis wear face masks in downtown Gainesville. The commission voted Tuesday to end the face mask requirement in its emergency order.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Civil rights complaint filed in US District Court over county face mask order

By Tristan Wood | May 19, 2020

Plaintiffs in the case say they have physical and mental conditions that make it unsafe to wear masks.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County updates COVID-19 emergency order

By Grethel Aguila | May 18, 2020

Gyms reopen and businesses can be filled up to 50 percent capacity. Public places where social distancing is difficult are still closed.

All services were provided strictly under CDC and FDA guidelines, according to J.D. Chester, the owner of several bars in Midtown.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Residents flock to Midtown for outdoor reopening

By Zora Viel | May 17, 2020

More than 100 people gathered in a Midtown parking lot on Saturday. All services were provided strictly under CDC and FDA guidelines, according to a Midtown bar owner.

All Alachua County library branch locations have begun offering curbside services to registered patrons with a library card or ID.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County Library District now offering curbside services

By Natalia Galicza | May 16, 2020

Libraries in Alachua are adapting their services to remain accessible through COVID-19

Keith Watson Events’ employees promote its new “drive-in wedding,” where ceremonies are performed in a makeshift venue.

COVID 19 | ALACHUA COUNTY

Inside a changing industry: Weddings

By Avery Lotz | May 16, 2020

COVID-19 has forced many couples to scramble, but local wedding planners are trying to keep the day special.