Nearly a third of the population of Florida has tested positive for COVID-19 at least once, according to the latest report from the Florida Department of Health. As of the Aug. 25 report, the state had a total of 6,998,561 positives, or about 31.3% of the population of Florida. Statewide there were 43,703 new positives last week.

COVID-19 related deaths in Florida to date total 79,573, which equates to about 0.35% of the Florida population (about 3.5 deaths per 1,000 residents).

Florida Department of Health data only includes new positives. A positive individual is only counted once, even if they have tested positive on more than one occasion. 

The report does not include positives from home tests.

For the counties around Lake Okeechobee:

Glades County had 2,194 positives cases to date (15.4% of the county population), with 5 new positives last week.

Hendry County had 13,078 positive cases to date to date (31.0% of the county population), with 76 new positives last week.

Martin County had 36,692 positive cases to date (22.1% of the county population) with 217 new positives last week.

Okeechobee County had 11,792 positive cases to date (27.6% of the county population) with 75 new positives last week.

Palm Beach County – 441,537 positives (29.3% of the county population) with 2,694 new positives last week.

The Centers for Disease Control ranks most of Florida at “high” risk for covid spread. The CDC recommends:

• Stay up to date on vaccinations and boosters.
• Wear a mask in areas where you cannot maintain six feet of distance from others not part of your immediate household.
• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently.
• Consult with your doctor about your health risks.