Coronavirus cases climb to 29,648 in Florida, death toll rises to 987

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ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health published the new numbers for positive cases of coronavirus on Thursday evening.

The latest numbers from state health officials show that there are 29,648 cases of COVID-19 in Florida with a death toll of 987.

There are currently 335 long-term care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health has published the list here. The twice daily COVID-19 report also includes information by county about deaths related to staff or residents in long-term care facilities. Of the 2,481 cases of residents or staff in long-term care facilities, 271 have died.

While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 12,637 tests performed on April 22, there were 1,169 positive results, or 9 percent.

Twenty-seven people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 Brevard, Broward, Collier, Dade, Hendry, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Sarasota and Volusia counties

Below is an interactive Florida Department of Health dashboard, showing a county-by-county breakdown of positive COVID-19 cases statewide.

If you are having trouble seeing the map or using it (especially on a mobile device), click here to load in a new window.

MORE NEWS: Florida governor: Look at risk factors as the state reopens

Florida remains under a "stay-at-home" order and it will continue until April 30th. Residents must stay at home except to complete essential errands and activities. Essential businesses may also stay open but must enforce social distancing.

Governor DeSantis has assembled a 'Re-Open Florida' task force and they are currently working to assemble a three-phase plan to reopen Florida and its economy. A short, medium, and long-term plan must be assembled.

Reopening Florida

Dan Wilcox, YMCA of Central Florida President and CEO, discusses being a part of the Orange County Task Force.

Coronavirus can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land on objects and surfaces. Others can then contract the virus by touching these objects or surfaces, then their eyes, nose, or mouth.

As stated before, symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. They may show in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure, the Florida Department of Health says. Most people recover from COVID-19 without special treatment but the elderly and those with underlying medical problems are more likely to develop serious illness.

MORE NEWS: Flagler County beaches reopen Wednesday on limited basis

Long-term effects that coronavirus may have on body

Dr. Jason Littleton talks to FOX 35 about what kind of effects the coronavirus can have on the body long-term.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus, so avoiding exposure is crucial. The Florida Department of Health advises the following:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons in poor health.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The CDC is now urging that all Americans in areas hit hardest by the novel coronavirus wear some type of facial covering while out in public.

Fitbit detecting oncoming sickness

Dr. Michael Snyder discovered that among the millions of measurements they make every day, subtle variances in a Fitbit's data could be a predictor of an oncoming illness.

MORE NEWS: Woman sets up 'giving tree' of face masks for people to use during coronavirus pandemic

If you display coronavirus symptoms, you should contact a local health organization and make them aware of your condition prior to arrival while also following specific instructions or guidelines they may have. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 and let them know if you have been infected or believe that you may be.

If you are infected, a medical professional or another authority will likely advise that you remain isolated while sick. This includes staying at home and not going into public places or large events.

Serious questions about hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 treatment

A new study is raising serious questions about hydroxychloroquine as a a means of treating COVID-19 patients.

Please visit the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida. For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-(866) 779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours a day. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

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