By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
40 million cases, 651,000 deaths
Florida*
3.3 million cases, 46,324 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 27 – September 2.
Announcements
Monoclonal Antibody (mAB) therapy treatments are now available
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.
* 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 5 p.m.
Updates
- New coronavirus infections have decreased over the last week. The daily average is 15,000 new infections, down from an average of 23,000 new infections over the last week.
- Florida still records the highest number of COVID hospitalizations in the US. We have an average of 15,000 COVID hospitalizations daily.
- Broward county remains a hotspot for coronavirus transmission. Caution must be taken when travelling out in public.
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