By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
Cases: 65.7 million
Deaths: 856,000
Florida
Cases: 5 million
Deaths: 63,158
Update
*New coronavirus cases continue to rise dramatically across the US. The nation is now averaging more than 800,000 new cases every day.
*About 1,900 COVID-19 deaths are reported each day across the US. This is a 50% increase over the last two weeks.
COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased more than 50% over the last two weeks.
*Florida is averaging over 55,000 new coronavirus cases every day.
*The majority of new coronavirus cases in Florida are caused by the Omicron variant.
Announcements
Americans Can Begin to Request Free at-home Rapid COVD-19 Tests
Beginning Wednesday, January 19, Americans will be able to request free at-home rapid coronavirus tests from the federal government. Individuals may go to www.covidtests.gov to request their rapid tests. There is no shipping cost and credit cards are not required for the requests.
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 (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; nyt.com; www.coronavirus.jhu.edu; www.cdc.gov;
