WLRN staff continues to add to community resource lists, including this articleon where kids and families can get food while schools are closed, and this postabout whether and where to get tested for coronavirus.
The dedicated website for the Florida Department of Health, including information about symptoms and numbers of cases, can be found here.
The dedicated website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found here.
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QUICK UPDATES
Florida Adds 10,105 New Cases, 30 More Dead
Updated Sunday at 4:50 p.m.
Florida reported 10,105 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, pushing the pandemic total to 885,201.
The state also tallied another 30 deaths over the past 24 hours.
Altogether, 17,734 people have died from the coronavirus since the pandemic began, including 216 non-residents.
Read more at our news partner the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
— Susannah Bryan/Sun Sentinel
Florida Adds More Than 6,900 New Cases, Statewide Total Surpasses 870,000
Updated Friday at 4:15 p.m.
Florida surpassed 870,000 positive cases of COVID-19 as Florida’s Department of Health confirmed an additional 6,933 cases of COVID-19 Friday. Florida has a total of 870,552 confirmed positive cases, according to the state's health department.
Friday's update also included the announcement of 73 new resident deaths, increasing the statewide number of Floridians who died to 17,445. Factoring in non-resident deaths the total number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 17,659. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties make up 6,907 of those reported deaths. Monroe County has reported 25 deaths due to COVID-19.
— WLRN News
As COVID-19 Surges In Florida Again, Symptoms Linger In Patients From The First Two Waves — A Warning Of The Virus’ Long-Term Effects
Updated Friday at 9:00 a.m.
With Florida entering what health experts say is a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, many patients who contracted the virus during Florida’s first two waves continue to battle debilitating symptoms, a growing indication of the long-term effects of COVID-19.
Researchers estimate that at least 10% of coronavirus patients still have symptoms long after the virus has left their bodies. Known as “long-haulers,” they include people like Karyn Bishof of Boca Raton, who tested positive in March during the first wave of the pandemic, and Beth Buckley of Delray Beach and Brian Bisch of Coral Springs, who had the virus in the summer during the state’s second wave.
All three are still battling symptoms ranging from headaches, signs of autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue and neurological issues. As cases now surge again — Florida’s weekly average is up 28% so far this month — and the rate of positive tests climbs, these long-haulers shed light on the effect of the long-term toll the pandemic will have in the community.
— By Amber Randall/ The South Florida Sun Sentinel
Read more from our news partner at the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Passengers Test Positive Aboard First Caribbean Cruise Restart During COVID-19 Pandemic
Updated Friday at 8:43 a.m.
A familiar COVID-19 scene is playing out off Barbados, where cruise passengers are confined to their rooms after fellow passengers tested positive for the virus.
Despite two negative PCR COVID-19 tests for each passenger prior to boarding, the captain of the SeaDream 1 announced Wednesday that a passenger had tested positive on a less-reliable rapid test, four days into its seven-night voyage from Barbados. Since then, a total of six passengers have tested positive, according to Gene Sloan, a cruise writer who is on board.
The ship is currently anchored off Bridgetown as the staff conducts more tests. All 53 passengers are confined to their rooms. The ship has a double capacity of 112 passengers.
— By Taylor Dolven and Jacqueline Charles / The Miami Herald
Read more from our news partner at the Miami Herald.
This Beloved Miami Art Festival Canceled Its 2021 Event Amid COVID-19 Fears
Updated Friday at 8:35 a.m.
You’re going to have to wait another year to enjoy the sights and sounds of Miami’s favorite outdoor art festival.
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival announced Thursday it is canceling its 2021 event due to fears of drawing a huge crowd during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event, which usually draws around 120,000 art lovers each year, was set as usual for South Florida’s busy Presidents’ Day weekend, Feb. 13-15.
— By Connie Ogle / The Miami Herald
Read more from our news partner at the Miami Herald.
