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Over 7.9K new COVID-19 cases, 88 more deaths reported in Florida

By FOX 35 News Staff
Updated  November 18, 2020 8:00pm EST
Coronavirus
FOX 35 Orlando
article

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health on Wednesday reported 7,925 new COVID-19 cases. 

In addition, they reported 88 more deaths. 

That brings the statewide case total since the start of the coronavirus pandemic to 905,248, resulting in at least 17,949 deaths. 

RELATED: Interactive map of COVID-19 cases across Florida 

If you are having trouble seeing the map or using it (especially on a mobile device), click here to load in a new window.

Florida health officials have reported a steady increase in the number of new coronavirus cases each day over the past month and a half, though the numbers are nowhere near the peak in July.

The number of patients being treated for COVID-19 in Florida hospitals has also risen in recent weeks. The state’s online census of hospitals showed numbers hovering between 2,000 and 2,200 for most of last month.

RELATED: 5 Florida mayors urging Gov. DeSantis to change state's COVID-19 response

Parents demand mask choice at schools

Some parents in Seminole County are upset their kids still have to wear masks while at school. The district said the policy will remain in place.

Florida is now in phase three of reopening with no limitations on restaurants. They must operate at a minimum of 50 percent capacity, regardless of rules by the local government. 

The original plan for Phase 3 allowed for the following changes:

  • Individuals older than 65 years of age and individuals with a serious underlying medical condition can resume public interactions but should practice social distancing.
  • Non-vulnerable populations should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments.
  • Non-essential travel may continue.
  • Employees should resume unrestricted staffing of worksites and implement the final phasing in of employees returning to work.
  • Employees should resume non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
  • Local government meetings should return to in-person quorum and public participation for local government bodies.
  • Bars, pubs, and nightclubs that derive more than 50 percent of sales from alcohol should operate at full capacity with limited social distancing protocols. Businesses should maintain adequate sanitation practices. 
  • Restaurants and food service establishments may operate at full capacity with limited social distancing protocols. Businesses should maintain adequate sanitation practices.
  • Gyms and fitness centers should open to full capacity but should maintain adequate sanitation practices among employees and patrons during all hours of operation.
  • State parks should be fully opened, including overnight accommodations. Beaches should remain fully open.
  • Large venues such as movie theaters, concert halls, and bowling alleys should re-open fully with limited social distancing protocols.
  • Large spectator sporting events should consider reducing capacity with limited social distancing protocols.
  • Theme parks may return to normal operations with limited social distancing protocols.
  • Salons, barbershops and nail salons, should operate under full capacity but should consider removing all unnecessary, frequent-touch items such as magazines and newspapers, and maintain sanitation standards.
  • Retail businesses should operate at full capacity.

RELATED: Florida clinic looks for COVID-19 vaccine trial volunteers

Navigating holiday travel during the pandemic

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday more than half of Americans say they plan on traveling despite COVID-19 concerns, according to a new survey by Trip Advisor.

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.

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.

RELATED: Pfizer to seek clearance soon; new data shows its COVID-19 vaccine is 95% effective

Christmas lights honor COVID-19 victims

A lot of people are looking for some extra joy due to the coronavirus pandemic, so they're getting an early start on Christmas decorating. One homeowner is decorating with lights and each light will represent a victim of COVID-19.

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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