Florida announced more than 17,000 cases of coronavirus on Saturday, a two-day accumulation of data because the state did not release figures on Christmas Day.
The addition of 17,042 cases on Saturday brings the total number of infections across the state to 1,264,588 since March. The state also announced 142 additional deaths from the virus.
Across the state, 21,437 people died of coronavirus. The weekly average of deaths is about 107 people declared dead per day.
Vaccinations: As of Saturday, 113,946 people in Florida had been vaccinated against coronavirus, according to a report by the Florida Department of Health. It has increased by 20,869 people since Thursday.
All vaccines are the first dose and have been applied mainly to people between 25 and 64 years old.
In Tampa Bay, 23,295 people were vaccinated. In Hillsborough, there were 8,867 vaccinations, in Pinellas 8,832, Polk 1,959, Manatee 821, Pasco 2,105, Hernando 499 and Citrus 212.
Miami-Dade and Broward County continue to lead the state in most vaccinations, followed by Orange County and Hillsborough.
Hospitalizations: Across the state, about 5,500 people are hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of coronavirus, according to the Agency for Health Care Administration. About 1,100 of these patients are in the Tampa Bay area.
The cases leading to hospitalization increased by 196 admissions.
Across the state, about 31% of hospital beds and 23% of ICU beds are available. In Tampa Bay, about 30% of hospital beds and about 24% of ICU beds are open.
Positivity: Florida’s average weekly positivity rate is about 9%, according to Johns Hopkins University. It is one of 47 states that does not meet the World Health Organization’s recommendation for a positivity rate of 5 percent or less.
When the positivity rate is very high, it may indicate that there are not enough widespread tests in the community to capture mild and asymptomatic cases. When these cases are not identified, they spread further. Tests across Florida remain high, with more than 110,000 tests processed every day for the past two weeks.
Local numbers: Tampa Bay added 3,393 coronavirus cases and 18 deaths on Saturday.
Seven of the deaths were reported in Pinellas and one death was recorded in Hernando. Citrus, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Polk recorded two deaths each.
Polk leads the area with the highest average weekly positivity rate with 11%, followed by Hillsborough and Pasco with 10%, Hernando with 9%, Citrus with 8% and Manatee and Pinellas with 7%.
By the last count, Hillsborough has 73,980 cases and 1,065 deaths; Pinellas has 42,973 cases and 1,027 deaths; Polk has 35,393 cases and 770 deaths; The manatee has 21,277 cases and 414 deaths; Pasco has 20,919 cases and 356 deaths; Hernando has 6,981 cases and 265 deaths; and Citrus has 6,359 cases and 252 deaths.
How fast is the number of COVID-19 cases growing in Florida?
Is the coronavirus outbreak in Florida still growing?
Florida coronavirus cases by age group
Doctors say the elderly are at an increased risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19, which makes Florida especially vulnerable.
• • •
HOW THE CORONAVIRUS IS SPREADING IN FLORIDA: Find the latest numbers for your county, city or zip code.
VACCINES Questions and Answers: Do you have questions about the coronavirus vaccine? We have answers, Florida.
MASKS: Read the latest guidelines, tips for comfort and long-term use
GET DAYSTARTER MORNING UPDATE: Sign up to receive the most up-to-date information.
THE CORONAVIRUS SCRAPBOOK: We collect your stories, photos, music, recipes, diaries and more to show what life has been like during the pandemic.
A TRIBUTE TO THE FLORIDIANS TAKEN BY THE CORONAVIRUS: They were parents and retirees, police and doctors, imperfect, but deeply loved.
HAVE A TIP ?: Send us confidential news tips
We are working hard to bring you the latest coronavirus news in Florida. This effort requires a lot of resources to gather and update. If you haven’t signed up yet, consider purchasing a print or digital subscription.