By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
2.5 million cases, 125,803 deaths
Florida
141,075 cases, 14,244 hospitalizations, 3,419 deaths
Broward
14,316 cases, 1,952 hospitalizations, 382 deaths
What’s Happening in Florida?
There has been a pronounced rise in the number of positive coronavirus cases in Florida over the last week. We have added 43,784 cases in just seven days. That represents an average of approximately 6,300 new cases per day. Testing for coronavirus has ramped up in Florida so the increase in the number of new cases is expected. More concerning, however, is the significant increase in the proportion of tests that is positive. This signifies an increase in community spread and indicates a potential for an increase in the number of Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths. Florida, among other Sunbelt states, is now marked as a hotspot for coronavirus resurgence. Travelers from Florida bound for the Northeast will be required to quarantine for two weeks, upon arrival in their destination. We are actively reestablishing some of the restrictions that were in place prior to reopening on May 25. Beaches in Miami and Broward will be closed for the July 4th weekend. Bars in the state have been instructed to cease sale of alcohol and restaurants have been mandated to reduce to 50% capacity, down from 75%. How did we get here? Several factors have contributed to the dramatic rise in new coronavirus cases and the increased proportion of positive tests.
Chief among them are:
*A return to socializing at bars and restaurants, particularly by younger individuals who are less concerned about severe illness from Covid-19 and may be less inclined to practice social distancing. Several restaurants in Fort Lauderdale have recently been fined and temporarily shut down because of crowds in their facilities.
*Many individuals have become frustrated with the restrictive nature of social distancing and have abandoned their own social distancing practices. Moreover, mask use has become a cultural and political flashpoint. For some the mask is representative of an attack on personal freedom and liberties, and thereby, a thing to be avoided at all cost. The result is that many people are potentially spreading an asymptomatic infection and are contributing to a rapidly spreading virus.
*The median age of individuals testing positive for coronavirus is 36, down from 65 a month ago. That means younger people are increasingly testing positive for coronavirus. Younger individuals may not suffer severe Covid-19 illness, but they are more likely to spread it to more vulnerable individuals as they are out more and are participating in more risky activities. There is no silver lining in younger individuals becoming more infected. The overall consequence is that everyone is affected, and the vulnerable individuals begin to fill hospital ICUs.
Our best weapon against this surge in cases in Florida is to maintain strict disease control measures. We must continue to practice social distancing, wear masks when out in public and maintain hand hygiene. Whenever possible, avoid crowds, crowded and poorly ventilated areas, and stay home.
For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org
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