Coronavirus Report: as of March 1, 2021

By Marsha Mullings, MPH

 USA

29 million cases, 514,000 deaths

Florida

1.9 million cases, 79,344 total hospitalizations, 30,852 deaths

Broward

192,750 cases, 8,905 total hospitalizations, 2,390 deaths

Vaccine Update

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Johnson and Johnson emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine. The company will begin distribution of the vaccine in early March, soon after which inoculation campaigns will begin. The FDA has announced that the vaccine is safe and has an efficacy rate of 72%. Most importantly, it will be administered as a one-shot dose. In addition to Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine, two additional vaccines are being distributed across the US:

 -Pfizer/BioNTech – 95% efficacy; two dose administration

– Moderna – 94% efficacy; two dose administration

Vaccine campaigns continue throughout Broward County at the following locations: Tradewinds Park, Vista View Park, Tree Tops Park, Markham Park, Snyder Park, Central Broward Park, Coral Springs Mall. Broward Health hospitals, Memorial Health System hospitals, Holy Cross Hospital, Cleveland Clinics, Plantation General and University Hospital are also offering vaccinations. Contact the hospitals for additional information.

Coronavirus Variants

• The CDC confirms 2463 coronavirus variants reported across 46 states.
• Florida reports the highest number – 605 We have 599 B.1.1.7 (UK variant), 5 P.1 (Brazilian variant) and now 1 B.1.351 (South African variant).
• Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are less effective against the South African variant.

Vaccines are a potent weapon against COVID-19, but disease mitigation is critical in moderating disease burden and mortality. The key step that we can take is to 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
• Avoid crowded indoor locations where possible

For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org; coronavirus.jhu.edu; cdc.gov