Positive coronavirus cases jump over 400 in Florida, 9th death reported by health officials
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health released its latest numbers on the coronavirus in the state, showing a rise to over 400 cases and another death.
They reported that as of 6 p.m. on Thursday, there are 432 total positive coronavirus cases in Florida. Of those, 393 are Florida residents and 39 are non-Florida residents isolated in Florida.
Positive Central Florida COVID-19 cases include:
- Alachua County: 11 positive cases of COVID-19.
- Brevard County: Three positive cases of COVID-19.
- Lake County: Three positive cases of COVID-19.
- Orange County: 19 positive cases of COVID-19.
- Osceola County: 13 positive cases of COVID-19.
- Polk County: Four positive case of COVID-19.
- Seminole County: Eight positive cases of COVID-19.
- Sumter County: Two positive case of COVID-19.
- Volusia County: Nine positive cases of COVID-19.
There are reportedly 1,005 people currently being monitored for coronavirus.
Another coronavirus death has been reported asl well, bringing the state's death toll to nine.
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Florida is expecting more coronavirus testing kits to arrive soon, as well as swabs to complete these tests. 625,000 tests can be completed with the kits and results are expected quicker, Governor Ron DeSantis said on Thursday. The number of positive cases is expected to rise with this.
State health officials are investigating after learning there are either suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at 19 nursing homes across Florida. Experts are being sent to each nursing home but officials are not stating where these affected homes are.
On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed direct payments of $1,200 per person and $2,400 for couples amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to a copy of the legislation obtained by The Associated Press.
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As of Thursday afternoon, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory, advising Americans to "avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19." They advise that U.S. citizens outside of the country arrange for an immediate return to the states unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.
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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.
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.
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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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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