By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
30.2 million cases, 552,000 deaths
Florida
2 million cases, 84,644 total hospitalizations, 33,178 deaths
Broward
210,166 cases, 9,409 total hospitalizations, 2,624 deaths
Pandemic Update
- Coronavirus cases in Florida are rising, especially among young adults. Daily new cases in Florida are up 8% since last week, to an average of 5,000 cases per day.
- Cases are also rising across the nation, though death and hospitalizations continue to trend downward.
Vaccine Update
- Six states – Kansas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas – are expanding eligibility for vaccines for all adults by Monday, March 29.
- Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis, has announced that Floridians aged 40 and older will be eligible for vaccination starting Monday, March 29.
- Governor DeSantis also announced that starting April 5, all Floridians 18 and older will be eligible for vaccination.
- Floridians can pre-register for vaccination appointments at www.myvaccine.fl.gov. The website allows individuals to register for vaccine doses by placing themselves in a virtual line. The site then contacts individuals to inform them of available appointments at locations closest to their home.
- Vaccine doses are still in short supply so appointments may not be available immediately after pre-registration.
- Individuals with frontline jobs such as teaching, or transportation, among others, will be given priority when registering online.
- Appointments can also be made separately with Publix and other entities offering the inoculations.
Vaccines will soon be available to every adult in Florida and the US, but coronavirus infection risk and COVID-19 disease remain extremely high. It is also important to note that at this point, scientists are unsure of the vaccines’ effectiveness against the coronavirus variants currently circulating across the US. 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.
- Avoid crowded indoor locations where possible.
For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit
www.FloridaHealth.org; www.coronavirus.jhu.edu;
www.cdc.gov; www.NYT.com.
