The COVID-19 virus is spreading again in Florida, according to data shared June 3 by the Florida Department of Health. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers Palm Beach and Martin Counties at “high” risk for COVID-19. 

For the period of May 27-June 2, the state had a new covid positivity rate of 16.2%.

Since the pandemic started, Florida has reported 74,590 deaths related to COVID-19.

In South Central Florida for May 27-June 2:

• Collier County reported 775 new cases, for a new case positivity rate of 15%.
• Glades County reported 19 new cases, for a new case positivity rate of 19.4%.
• Hendry County reported 72 new cases for a new case positivity rate of 8.6%.
• Highlands County reported 214 new cases for a new case positivity rate of 14%.
• Martin County reported 369 new cases for a new positivity rate of 14.2%.
• Okeechobee County reported 49 new cases for a new positivity rate of 7.6%.
• Palm Beach County reported 5,159 new cases for a new positivity rate of 17.1%.

Health officials advise that covid infections may be higher as many people are now using home tests which are not entered in the health department database.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issues maps showing the risk of COVID-19 in each county, based on hospital admissions for COVID-19, COVID-19 deaths and ICU bed availability, as well as new infections.

According to the CDC, as of June 5, much of Florida was at “high risk” of COVID-19 transmission.

• Collier County: Low risk;
• Glades County: Low risk;
• Hendry County: Low risk;
• Highlands County: Medium risk;
• Martin County: High risk;
• Okeechobee County: Medium risk;
• Palm Beach County: High risk.

According to the CDC vaccinations and boosters are the most effective way to prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19. Since vaccines have been widely available in the United States, more than 90% of those who have become sick enough to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 were unvaccinated and 95% of covid-related deaths were unvaccinated persons. The data has shown that while the vaccine does not prevent people from contracting the virus, it does reduce the risks of serious illness and death. Current data also shows those who survive COVID-19 can catch it again, especially if they are exposed to a different variant of the virus.

Those in areas of low risk are advised to:

• Stay up to datewith COVID-19 vaccines
• Get testedif you have symptoms

Those in areas of medium risk, are advised to:

• If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
• Get tested if you have symptoms.

Those in areas of high risk are advised to:

• Wear a mask indoors in public,
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines,
• Get tested if you have symptoms,
• Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness.