Florida beats new COVID-19 case record in a single day
Evan Axelbank reports
TAMPA, Fla. – Florida’s COVID-19 cases reached a single-day record on Thursday, with an increase of 19,816 new cases reported.
“While we waited [the increase], is horrible news, “said University of South Florida Dean of Health Policy Dr. Jay Wolfson.
He expects it to get even worse because the impact of festive events, including New Year’s Eve parties in Ybor City, is not yet present in the numbers.
“People are behaving as if that isn’t a problem for them,” explained Wolfson. “Still, when they do that, they take it out and give it to other people. But it doesn’t happen right away.”
KAISer Family Foundation State COVID-19 case data
LINK: Information on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Tampa Bay area counties
Hillsborough and Pinellas County commissioners again expressed frustration with the governor, who said on Wednesday that he would not allow stricter restrictions because he said they do not work.
“We will not categorically allow any local government to arrest people,” said DeSantis.
While the city of Tampa has promised a crackdown on bars that do not meet mask requirements, Hillsborough County argued on Wednesday that it requires restaurants to require masks even at outdoor tables.
“There won’t be another county commission meeting for two weeks,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen. “Between now and then, many diseases will spread if people don’t start taking it seriously.”
COVID UPDATES: Download the free FOX 13 News app for continuous coronavirus coverage and live updates
The percentage of positive tests is also increasing, which is 11.6% across the state. In Hillsborough, positivity averages 15 percent. And in Pinellas, where positivity was between 2% and 3%, it is now above 10%.
“It is really more global behavior in our community for people to let their guard down,” said Commissioner Charlie Justice. “For anyone who takes this seriously, it is frustrating because you have been doing all the right things for a long time.”
If you feel sick:
The Florida Department of Health opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions 24 hours a day. Questions can also be sent to [email protected]. E-mail responses will be sent during the call center hours.
LINK: Florida COVID-19 website
CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: What you need to know
AROUND THE WORLD: CoronavirusNOW.com
Map of known COVID-19 cases:
MOBILE APPLICATION USERS: Click here to view the map