ORLANDO, Fla. - The latest numbers from state health officials show that there are over 27,800 cases of coronavirus in Florida and a death toll of 867.
The Florida Department of Health published the new numbers on Monday evening. They specifically stated that there are now 27,869 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide. Among the positive cases, 27,127 of the positive coronavirus cases are Florida residents. The remaining cases are non-Florida residents tested and isolated in the state.
There are currently 313 long-term care facilities with positive cases of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health has published the list here. The twice daily COVID-19 report also includes information by county about deaths related to staff or residents in long-term care facilities. Of the 2,153 cases of residents or staff in long-term care facilities, 222 have died.
While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 11,782 tests performed on April 20, there were 1,054 positive results, or 9 percent.
Twenty-eight people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 Alachua, Collier, Dade, Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough, Madison, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Suwannee and Volusia counties.
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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Re-open Florida Task Force conference call
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday held a conference call with the task force charged with strategy on how the state will re-open after the COVID-19 stay at home order is lifted.
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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Publix employees test positive for COVID-19
Publix says two employees have tested positive for COVID-19, including one associate in Kissimmee and another in Winter Park.
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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Hydroxychloroquine arrives in Central Florida
The distribution of the controversial drug used for coronavirus treatment is supported by the US Department of Justice.
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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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More coronavirus testing sites opening in Seminole County
Free options and no appointments necessary options are available for those in Seminole County who want to be tested.
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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