Tracking Coronavirus: Over 1,000 positive COVID-19 cases confirmed in Florida, death toll rises to 13
ORLANDO, Fla. - Below is a log of the day's events as it relates to the global coronavirus pandemic.
11 a.m. -- The Florida Department of Health released its latest numbers on coronavirus in the state, stating that there are 830 total positive coronavirus cases now and a death toll of 13. Read more HERE.
12 p.m. -- Governor Ron DeSantis gave a coronavirus update. He addressed increased testing that will begin in the coming week throughout the state.
1:30 p.m. -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that a fourth security officer at the Orlando International Airport (OIA) has tested positive for coronavirus. Read more HERE.
4 p.m. -- Stocks fell about 3% on Wall Street Monday as Congress hit another roadblock in talks to inject nearly $2 trillion into the coronavirus-weakened economy.
4:40 p.m. -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered the closure of most retail stores and banned public gatherings of more than two people in a stepped-up response to slow the new coronavirus
5 p.m. -- Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is expected to give a coronavirus update.
6 p.m. -- The Florida Department of Health says there are 1,007 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Florida. Health officials say 937 patients are Florida residents, 70 are non-Florida residents tested and isolated in Florida. The number of deaths stand at 13. As of 6 p.m., there are 1,147 cases being monitored. Check for updates on the Florida Department of Health website. At around 6 p.m., President Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force held a news briefing.
8:30 p.m. -- Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issues two-week stay-at-home order to fight coronavirus spread.
IF YOU FEEL SICK
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.
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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