Florida's covid risk remains high, per CDC

Posted 8/15/22

Florida's COVID-19 risk remains high: 994 new covid deaths...

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Florida's covid risk remains high, per CDC

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Florida’s COVID-19 new case positivity rate remains high, at 18.4% for Aug. 5-11, according to the Florida Department of Health. Since many people now use home tests, available free by mail from the U.S. government or for purchase at many grocery and drug stores, the positivity number only includes those tested at a health department, pharmacy, hospital or doctor’s office. Home tests are not in the mandatory reporting group.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now designate counties as high, medium or low risk of covid. While FDOH previously used the new case positivity rates to judge the risk, the CDC focuses on the number of covid-positive people who are ill enough to require hospitalization and the number of intensive care unit beds available. They also consider the number of (reported) new cases in the county in the past seven days, divided by the population of the county.

As of Aug. 13, most of Florida was considered at high risk by the CDC. In South Florida, only Glades County is a medium risk.

According to the Florida Department of Health report for Aug. 5-11:

  • Collier County had 828 new covid cases.
  • Glades County had 16 new covid cases.
  • Hendry County had 94 new covid cases.
  • Highlands County had  ne271w covid cases.
  • Martin County had 328 new covid cases.
  • Okeechobee County had 81 new covid cases.
  • Palm Beach County had 3,344 new covid cases.

FDOH reports that to date, there have been 78,559 covid-related deaths in Florida. That means 994 new covid deaths were added to the state’s total in the past two weeks.

The CDC recommends those in areas at high risk for covid to:

  • Wear a face mask in public indoor spaces or anywhere you cannot maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others not in your household.
  • Stay updated with vaccinations.
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
  • Consult your doctor for additional recommendations, especially if you have other health concerns.

Every home in the United States is eligible for three orders of free covid tests. Each order includes four tests. For free covid tests, go online to https://www.covid.gov/tests.

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