BY MARSHA MULLINGS, MPH
USA
36.7 million cases, 623,000 deaths
Florida*
2.9 million cases, 40,766 deaths
*The Florida Department of Health has suspended daily case and vaccine reports. The department will instead post weekly updates. The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, August 6 – August 12.
Update
Coronavirus infections continue to surge across the US. There is an average of 130,000 new cases a day.
Florida is the epicenter of the surge in new coronavirus infections. The state has recorded a daily average of 22,000 new cases over the last week, the highest across the US.
Florida leads the nation in hospitalizations for COVID illnesses. The state has recorded an average of 15,000 COVID-related hospitalizations daily.
Broward County has the highest number of daily COVID hospitalizations in the entire US, an average of 1,500 admissions each day.
New coronavirus testing locations have reopened in the county. Please check www.broward.org or www.sun-sentinel.com for information on new testing sites as well as vaccination locations.
Vaccines remain a key weapon in the fight against coronavirus. Vaccinations are free and are available at pharmacies, health clinics and participating locations, without an appointment.
Advisory
The Delta variant is a highly contagious strain of coronavirus that presents a serious risk for infection. The probability of infection from this variant is extremely high for unvaccinated persons. Remaining vigilant against disease transmission is critical. Practice good COVID-19 control strategies:
*Observe social distancing guidelines (6 feet or more of separation from others).
*Practice good hand hygiene (wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizers).
*Wear a mask when out in public if you are unvaccinated.
For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org; www.coronavirus.jhu.edu; www.cdc.gov; www.sun-sentinel.com
