Florida now has 15,698 cases of coronavirus, death toll at 323, health officials say

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ORLANDO, Fla. - As of Wednesday evening, the Florida Department of Health said there are 15,698 total positive cases of COVID-19 in Florida.

An additional 242 positive COVID-19 cases (231 Florida residents and 11 non-Florida residents) were reported on Wednesday. There are currently 15,234 positive cases in Florida residents and 464 positive cases in non-Florida residents. The death toll has jumped to 323 and there are currently 2,082 hospitalizations.

While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 11 percent. Of the 12,588 tests performed on April 7, there were 1,242 positive results, or 10 percent.

Fourteen more people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 in Broward, Citrus, Dade, Escambia, Highlands, Manatee, Martin, Orange, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota 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.

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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.

Death toll from coronavirus rising in Florida

Deaths from COVID-19 are rising in Florida. There are now over 14,000 positive cases. FOX 35's Jessica Albert spoke with one family dealing with a loss.

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.

Getting COVID-19 twice

The Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 51 people who were diagnosed as recovered tested positive again a relatively short time after leaving quarantine.

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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.

Walgreens getting rapid tests for COVID-19

A new COVID-19 test that could display results in mere minutes could be coming to a Walgreen's at select stores around the country.

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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.

Serologic testing could determine if you had COVID-19

Were you sick earlier this year and wondering if you had COVID-19? Doctors say a new test might help answer that questions. The company LabCorp is preparing to offer serologic testing but it is not yet available.

MORE NEWS: Can you be re-infected with COVID-19?

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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