By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
27 million cases, 465,083 deaths
Florida
1.8 million cases, 74,543 total hospitalizations, 27,815 deaths
Broward
177,686 cases, 8,404 total hospitalizations, 2,185 deaths
Vaccination Sites
The following sites are offering vaccinations for persons 65+, with confirmed appointments:
*Coral Square Mall (walk up)
*Central Broward Regional Park (drive through)
*Tradewinds Park (drive through)
*Inter Miami CF Stadium, formerly Lockhart (walk up)
*Snyder Park (drive through)
*Vista View Park (drive through)
*Markham County Park (drive through)
*John Mullin Park (drive through), for Lauderhill residents only
Publix Supermarkets are offering COVID-19 vaccinations for persons 65+ with proof of Florida residency. Appointments must be booked online. At the moment, there are very few open slots but as more vaccines arrive in the state, vaccination slots will increase.
Winn-Dixie supermarkets will begin to offer COVID-19 vaccinations this week. The supermarket will announce the beginning of their vaccine campaign.
Coronavirus Variants increasing in the US.
There are 699 cases of the coronavirus variants reported across 36 states.
*The B.1.1.7 (UK variant) is the most numerous (690 cases) and is predicted to double in number every ten days. It is present in 33 states and is predicted to be the dominant strain in the US by March.
*6 cases of B.1.351 (South African variant) have been reported across 3 states in the US.
*3 cases of P.1 (Brazilian variant) have been reported across 2 states in the US.
*Florida, with 201 cases of B.1.1.7, has the highest number of recorded cases in the country, followed by California, with 150 cases of B.1.1.7.
*All three variants are more transmissible than the original coronavirus and may result in higher numbers of total infections and illnesses.
*Astra Zeneca has suspended its vaccine campaign in South Africa because the vaccine has proven ineffective in preventing COVID-19 disease among individuals who have received their vaccine.
*Scientists are closely monitoring all circulating coronavirus variants.
Disease mitigation remains crucial in reducing the burden of COVID-19. Social distancing, wearing a mask when out in public, handwashing, and avoiding crowded indoor locations are critical.
For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org; coronavirus.jhu.edu; cdc.gov
