The Florida Department of Health recorded 8,288 covid deaths in 2023 according to the FDOH online dashboard www.flhealthcharts.gov.

As of Jan. 4, there was one new covid death, in Miami-Dade County, in 2024.

The state had 23,342 covid deaths in 2020; 39,864 covid deaths in 2021; and, 21,281 covid deaths in 2022.

In South Central Florida:

• Glades County had 1 covid death in 2023; 3 covid deaths in 2022; 19 covid deaths in 2021 and 15 covid deaths in 2020.
• Hendry County had 8 covid deaths in 2023; 55 covid deaths in 2020; 86 covid deaths in 2021 and 31 covid deaths in 2022.
• Okeechobee County had 17 covid deaths in 2023; 59 covid deaths in 2020; 102 covid deaths in 2021; and 38 covid deaths in 2022.
• Palm Beach County had 596 covid deaths n 2023; 1,969 covid deaths in 2020; 2,394 covid deaths in 2021; and 1,521 covid deaths in 2022.

According to FDOH, the data only includes deaths of Florida residents. County of death is based on the county of residence when the person became a case. Data is subject to change as there is  sometimes a time lag between the Medical Examiner’s determination of cause of death and the updating of the website.

According to FDOH, those over the age of 65 and those with health issues that compromise their immune systems are more at risk of serious illness or death from covid.

Florida residents are advised to consult their primary care physicians for advice on vaccinations and/or treatment. Available treatments are most effective when administered as soon as possible after the first onset of symptoms. Free COVID-19 tests are available from the government. Go online to www.covid.gov or call 800-232-0233.

Anyone who has symptoms of illness is advised to stay home to prevent spreading disease to others.