STATEWIDE — President Donald Trump says Americans should avoid gathering in groups larger than 10 and temporarily stop going to bars, restaurants, and food courts to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The president made the recommendations during a national news conference Monday with the federal coronavirus task force. That panel also says says if anyone in a household tests positive, all members should quarantine.

Trump also advised Americans against discretionary travel and to home-school children.

"It's important for the young and healthy to understand that while they may experience milder symptoms, they can easily spread this virus and spread it, putting countless lives at risk. We especially worry about our senior citizens," Trump said.

The task force also again reminded everyone to frequently wash their hands and stay home if they feel sick.

"We really want people to be separated right now. To address this virus comprehensively that we cannot see, for which we don't have a vaccine or a therapeutic, the only thing we have right now is the amazing ingenuity and compassion of the American people," coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said.

The news comes as the number of people testing positive for exposure to the novel coronavirus continues to quickly grow as more people get tested.

The Florida Department of Health on Monday confirmed 19 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, including Lake County's first case and the death of an Orange County resident.

The resident was a 79-year-old woman with underlying health conditions, Orange County Health Department Director Raul Pino said. He didn't say how or where she contracted the coronavirus.

When he was asked during a news conference to confirm rumors there were are five positive cases at area hospitals, Pino replied, "Possibly." 

The 19 new cases Monday comprise 14 Florida residents and five non-Florida residents tested in-state.

The Lake County case is a travel-related case in a female, though the Health Department didn't provide any other details.

Brevard County Office of Emergency Management announced Monday evening that the county has its first presumptive positive case of COVID-19. Officials have not yet revealed whether the case is travel-related, nor did they identify the age or gender of the person. 

The department released the new coronavirus information at the same time in launched a new interactive COVID-19 dashboard, which can be seen below.

As of noon Monday, there were 155 total Florida cases, which includes both Florida residents and non-Florida residents tested in the state, according to the department. 

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines for social gatherings, urging any event with 50 people or more be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks.

Up to this point, the agency was recommending against gatherings of 250 people or more, but again, now that is 50 people.

This is prompting bars and restaurants across the country to reduce hours, and even some cities to institute curfews. They're measures national health experts say are necessary to reduce the spread of the virus.

"It is how we respond to that challenge that's going to determine what the ultimate end point is going to be," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The recommendations have prompted at least two states — New York and California — to ban large gatherings. Miami is among a growing list of cities that have set curfews. Beginning Monday night, all bars and restaurants in Miami's entertainment district must be closed by 11 p.m.

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman announced sweeping changes Monday to help with social distancing. 

Starting at noon on Tuesday, businesses will have to reduce their occupancy by 50 percent. Gatherings, both private and public, with more that 50 people will be restricted. This includes parties, weddings, concerts, sporting events, festivals and parades.

Local businesses like dine-in restaurants, bars and nightclubs not only have to reduce their occupancy by half. There’s also a last call for alcohol time set for 9 p.m. now. The Cross Bay Ferry is also on the list to reduce occupancy.

Libraries, recreation centers, and pools are also closed. 

Gov. DeSantis activates small business loan program

Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The bridge loan will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesss that employ between 2 and 100 people.

"As we mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, the health, safety and well-being of Floridians comes first," the Governor said, "but I understand the harm this is having on small businesses throughout the state."

Dan Bavaro owns Bavaro's Restaurant in downtown Tampa. He said since Friday, business is down about 75 percent.

"Something has to bridge the gap. This is our peak season. Most restaurants this is the time of year that they prepare for the off-season so this is where we expect high volume, and we save for the off months," he said.

The loan program will allow businesses to apply for loans up to $50,000.

"The problem is, if you're in some of the industries that are really getting hit, you have a cash flow problem particularly if you have tight margins. This is a way to keep people afloat," DeSantis said.

He said the idea is to get cash in business owners hands quickly. It's estimated the turnaround time could be as short as two weeks.

"I encourage Tampa's businesses to apply as soon as possible as these funds are limited," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.

Bavaro said the loans could be a way to help him keep things cooking.

"As long as you're smart with the money and prepare yourself to pay it back and forecast, you'll be fine. Loans are part of business, without them we don't survive," he said.

To be eligible, a business must have been established before March 9, 2020 and it also must demonstrate economic impacts from COVID-19.

The application period opens on March 17, 2020 and runs through May 8, 2020.

In other national and international developments:

  • Canada is closing its borders to noncitizens or anyone not a permanent resident, with the exception of Americans, but even they have to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement Monday outside of his residence, where he himself is self-isolating after his wife fell ill and tested positive after returning from a trip to the United Kingdom. The U.S. is by far Canada's largest trading partner, accounting for 75 percent of the country's exports.
  • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has urged pushing back Tuesday's presidential preference primary to June 2. Florida's primary date has not changed.
  • Regal Cinemas, one of the largest movie theater chains in the U.S., has announced it will close all of its theaters starting March 17 amid coronavirus concerns. The theaters will remain closed until further notice.