By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
Cases: 60 million
Deaths: 842,000
Florida
Cases: 4.6 million
Deaths: 62,688
Update
The US is averaging more than 600,000 new coronavirus cases every day.
COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased more than 50% over the last two weeks.
Florida is averaging over 50,000 new coronavirus cases every day. Hospitalizations in Florida has increased by over 300% in the last two weeks.
95% of cases in South Florida are caused by the Omicron variant.
Announcements
DC Issues Advisory Against Cruise Ship Travel
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to advise against cruise ship travel for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. This is due to a rapid upsurge in outbreaks among cruise ship passengers.
Broward County Distributes Free COVID-19 at-home Rapid Test Kits
The county has distributed at-home rapid test kits to residents of Broward County. Residents may check the county’s website (www.broward.org) for information on the latest distribution date and sites.
Advisory
Omicron is an extremely transmissible variant of the coronavirus. Vigilance is critical to reducing the chance of acquiring an infection. Practice good COVID-19 control strategies:
Observe social distancing guidelines (Six 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; nyt.com; www.coronavirus.jhu.edu; www.cdc.gov;
