Coronavirus cases in Florida rise to nearly 2,000 cases, death toll now at 23, health officials say

article

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health released its latest numbers on the coronavirus in the state on Wednesday evening, showing a rise to nearly 2,000 cases and a death toll of 23 people.

They reported that as of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, there are 1,977 total positive coronavirus cases in Florida. There were 295 additional positive COVID-19 cases (284 Florida residents and 11 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health. One person has died who tested positive for COVID-19 in Citrus County.

Positive COVID-19 cases in Central Florida include:

Alachua County: 46 positive cases of COVID-19
Brevard County: 12 positive cases of COVID-19
Flagler County: 6 positive cases of COVID-19
Lake County: 22 positive cases of COVID-19
Marion County: 5 positive cases of COVID-19
Orange County: 89 positive cases of COVID-19
Osceola County: 39 positive cases of COVID-19
Polk County: 15 positive cases of COVID-19
Seminole County: 32 positive cases of COVID-19
Sumter County: 18 positive cases of COVID-19
Volusia County: 28 positive cases of COVID-19

The state is monitoring 1,665 others for possible exposure to COVID-19.

MORE NEWS: White House, Congress agree on $2 trillion coronavirus rescue bill

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.

Making face masks during the coronavirus outbreak

Several companies across Central Florida are stepping up to make face masks.

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: Stay-at-home order in Orange County: What you can and can't do

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.

Orange County Mayor issues stay-at-home order

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Wednesday issued a stay-at-home order for residents to begin at 11 p.m. on Thursday night. The order remains in effect until April 9.

MORE NEWS: Drive-thru testing opens Wednesday at Orange County Convention Center for 65 and older, first responders

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.

MORE NEWS: Publix to install Plexiglass around registers amid coronavirus concerns

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