Coronavirus cases in Florida on Thursday rose to 2,484 with a death toll of 29, health officials say

article

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health released its latest numbers on coronavirus in the state on Thursday evening, showing a jump of over 500 positive cases and several more deaths compared to the previous night.

They said that there are currently 2,484 positive cases of coronavirus in Florida. 2,352 of those are Florida residents while 125 are non-Florida residents tested and isolated in the state.

The department listed the following positive COVID-19 cases in each county:

Alachua County: 53 positive cases of COVID-19
Brevard County: 14 positive cases of COVID-19
Flagler County: 8 positive cases of COVID-19
Lake County: 26 positive cases of COVID-19
Marion County: 5 positive cases of COVID-19
Orange County: 119 positive cases of COVID-19
Osceola County: 45 positive cases of COVID-19
Polk County: 20 positive cases of COVID-19
Seminole County: 40 positive cases of COVID-19
Sumter County: 24 positive cases of COVID-19
Volusia County: 34 positive cases of COVID-19

They also reported that there have now been 29 coronavirus-related deaths in Florida.

1,655 others are reportedly being monitored for COVID-19.

MORE NEWS: 4Rivers launches grocery service offering hard-to-find items during coronavirus outbreak

The Senate late Wednesday passed an unparalleled $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic. The House is expected to take up the measure on Friday.

Meanwhile, in Florida, a mandate for residents to stay-at-home in Orange and Osceola County for two weeks went into effect on Thursday.

Orange, Osceola counties stay-at-home order goes into effect Thursday night

Orange and Osceola county residents have been ordered to stay at home starting Thursday night in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

MORE NEWS: Games, puzzles becoming popular as people stay home during coronavirus outbreak

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: Crocs donating shoes to healthcare workers during coronavirus outbreak

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus, so avoiding exposure is crucial. The department 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 said that they do not recommend that healthy people wear facemasks. They should only be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people taking care of someone in close settings.

Protective gear running out

A local doctor is asking if you have extra gloves or face masks, try and send them to your local hospital because supplies are running low.

MORE NEWS: Millions of medical supplies arrive in Orlando, to be distributed across the state, officials say

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.

David Does It: Restaurants offering take-out and curbside

Many Central Florida restaurants are losing business amid the coronavirus outbreak and their offering take-out and curbside.

MORE NEWS: Stay-at-home order: What you can and can't do

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.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

MOBILE USERS: Click here to watch FOX 35 News live