ORLANDO, Fla. - (UPDATE) As of 7 p.m. on Sunday, The Florida Department of Health says there are now 26,314 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the state. The death toll is 774. MORE INFORMATION.
The latest numbers from state health officials show that there are almost 26,000 cases of coronavirus in Florida, with a death toll of 764.
The Florida Department of Health published the new numbers on Wednesday afternoon. They specifically stated that there are 25,996 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, which is an increase of 504 cases overnight. 25,300 of the positive coronavirus cases are Florida residents. The remaining cases are non-Florida residents tested and isolated in the state.
They also published the Florida death toll as 764.
There has reportedly been 3,766 hospitalizations due to coronavirus in Florida.
Below is an interactive Florida Department of Health dashboard, showing a county-by-county breakdown of positive COVID-19 cases statewide.
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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.
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Distance learning to continue for rest of school year
Gov. DeSantis said Saturday that Florida's K-12 schools will remain closed for the rest of the year, but distance learning will continue.
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.
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Coronavirus puts Stetson student in the hospital
A 20-year-old Stetson University student is back home after being in the hospital for 17 days fighting COVID-19.
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.
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Protesters want Florida to reopen amid pandemic
Some protesters say they are not afraid of the virus and want businesses to reopen.
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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.
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Members of same family infected with COVID-19
Sadly, the husband and father of the family did not make it. FOX 35 News reporter Stephanie Buffamonte has the story.
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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