By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
10 million cases, 237,584 deaths
Florida
843,897 cases, 50,489 total hospitalizations, 17,121 deaths
Broward
90,153 cases, 6,300 total hospitalizations, 1,548 deaths
There were 36,485 new coronavirus cases in Florida last week.
There was an average of 5,200 daily new cases over the last week.
Important to Know
Across the US, the number of new infections has risen 118%, from a daily average of 50,000 to a daily average of 111,000 infections, in only one month.
Within Florida, we are now averaging 5,200 new infections daily, a 27% rise from the previous week, where the daily average was 4,000.
The significant rise in new infections nationally is likely fueled by increasingly cold weather in many states and a reversion to indoor activities, which increase the risk of viral transmission.
Pandemic fatigue – boredom and frustration from mask wearing and social distancing, and lapses in protective behavior, may also be a factor in the rising case count.
No vaccine is yet available to control this virus. It is estimated that a vaccine may be available by the spring of 2021.
Disease mitigation efforts are critical for protection against infection:
Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
Wear a mask when out and about in public.
Practice good hand hygiene.
Avoid crowded indoor locations, wherever possible. Outside activities are safer than indoor activities.
For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevent-ion, visit www.FloridaHealth.org; coronavirus.jhu.edu
