Florida coronavirus cases push pass 33,600; death toll rises to 1,268, Florida Department of Health says

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ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health published the new numbers for positive cases of coronavirus on Thursday morning.

The latest numbers from state health officials show that there are 33,690 cases of COVID-19 in Florida and a new death toll of 1,268. That is an additional 497 cases and 50 deaths since Wednesday morning.

Deaths of people who tested positive were reported in Broward, Charlotte, Miami-Dade, Hernando, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Okaloosa, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk 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.

MORE NEWS: What is allowed to open under phase one of Governor DeSantis' plan to reopen Florida?

Florida's stay-at-home order expires on May 4th. That is when phase one of reopening will begin. Dubbed the 'Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery,' the Governor said that the state will take safe, smart, and data-driven steps towards reopening. Phase one will include:

Schools will remain in distance learning.
Visits to senior living facilities will still be prohibited by Governor DeSantis said that he may eventually revisit this.
Elective surgeries can resume.
Restaurants can offer outdoor seating with six-foot space between tables and indoor seating will be allowed at 25 percent capacity.
Retail stores can also operate at 25 percent of indoor capacity.
No change for bars, gyms, and personal services like hairdressers. Governor DeSantis did acknowledge that he will revisit guidelines for gyms after observing how it goes for other states.
Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside of the home.
All individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distance from others.
Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for physical distancing.
Face masks are recommended for all those in face-to-face interactions and where you cannot social distance.

Reopening Florida to begin on May 4

Restaurants and many retail stores outside of Southeast Florida can start reopening Monday with limited occupancy as part of the first phase of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ economic-recovery effort after the coronavirus caused massive shutdowns.

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.

MORE NEWS: Road to Reopening Florida: Which businesses will and will not reopen on Monday

Will you go out?

People are anxious to get out of the house but many will stay home a little longer once the first phase begins to reopen Florida.

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.

Some businesses will have to wait to reopen

Some business owner are disappointed that they have to wait a little longer for reopening, but they are making preparations for when the time comes.

MORE NEWS: Construction on Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park delayed due to coronavirus pandemic

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.

Florida officer dies of coronavirus after traveling to Boston

The Clermont Police Department shared that Officer Conrad Buckley has passed away of coronavirus after traveling to Boston.

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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