By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
38 million cases, 640,000 deaths
Florida*
3.2 million cases, 43,979 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 20 – August 26.
Announcements
COVID-19 Booster Shots
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a plan to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots this fall.
Individuals will be eligible for a booster shot starting 8 months after they received their second dose of an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). This is subject to authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It is likely that people who received a Johnson & Johnson, Janssen COVID-19 vaccine will need a booster dose. The CDC will keep the public informed with a timely plan for J&J/Janssen booster shots.
Monoclonal Antibody (mAB) Therapy Treatments Available Now
Monoclonal antibody treatments can prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death in high-risk patients who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19.
Treatment is free and vaccination status does not matter. If you are 12 years and older and are at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19, you are eligible for this treatment.
For high-risk patients who have been exposed to someone with COVID19, monoclonal antibody treatment can give you temporary immunity to decrease your odds of catching the infection.
These treatments are widely available in Florida. The closest treatment site is at CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines. Treatment is administered daily, from 9am to 5pm.
Updates
Florida continues to lead the nation in Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. The state records an average of 23,000 new coronavirus cases daily, highest in the nation. Similarly, Florida records an average of 17,000 daily hospital admissions, the highest number in the US, and the highest number in Florida, since the beginning of the pandemic.
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.
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
