TALLAHASSEE -- Florida’s new COVID-19 positivity was at 2.3% for March 18-23 according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) report issued March 24.

According to FDOH, 74% of Floridians over the age of 5 have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Many South Central Florida counties have new positivity rates that are lower than the state average.

For March 18-23, Collier County had 197 new covid cases for a new case positivity rate of 3.2%.

Glades County had just one new covid case March 18-23, with a new positivity rate of 1.4%

Hendry County had four new cases, for a new positivity rate of 1.0%.

Highlands County had 36 new cases and a new positivity rate of 2.6%.

Martin County had 51 new cases and a new positivity rate of 2.5%.

Okeechobee County had two new cases and a new positivity rate of 0.5%.

Palm Beach County had 680 new cases and a new positivity rate of 3.1%.

Since the pandemic began in 2020, Florida has documented 73,027 covid-related deaths, for a covid fatality rate of 1.3% and mortality rate of 332 persons per 100,000 population.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, all counties in South Central Florida and South Florida currently have low risk of covid transmission.  The CDC recommends those in low transmission areas stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you  have symptoms. People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.