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Coronavirus Live Updates: Florida COVID-19 Cases Increase By More Than 10,000, A Record High Jump

This post will be updated today, Thursday, July 2, and through the week with the latest information on COVID-19 in South Florida.

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WLRN staff continues to add to community resource lists, including this article on where kids and families can get food while schools are closed, and this post about 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 COVID-19 Cases Increase By Over 10,000, A Record High Jump 

Updated Thursday at 11:15 a.m.

The Florida Department of Health confirmed an additional 10,109 cases on Thursday, the highest jump recorded since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The state has a total of 169,106 confirmed positive cases, according to the state's health department.

Thursday's update also included the announcement of 68 new deaths, increasing the statewide number to 3,718.

-WLRN News

 
 

Masks Now Mandatory In All South Florida Counties, Including Outdoors

Updated Thursday at 7:30 a.m.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced Wednesday evening an emergency order to require face coverings in public, including in outside areas. He did not say when it would go into effect, but stated he would sign the order Wednesday night.

Broward County issued a similar order on Wednesday. It mandates face coverings outside if social distancing isn't possible. The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

Monroe and Palm Beach counties have already instituted countywide mask requirements.

- WLRN News

 
 

Masks Will Be Mandatory When Miami-Dade Schools Reopen

Updated Thursday at 7 a.m.

 

 
On the same day authorities took new steps to address the recent surge in Florida COVID-19 cases, Miami-Dade County Public Schools signed off on a plan Wednesday to reopen schools this fall, calling for smaller classes, a mix of in-person, online and hybrid teaching models and masks mandated for all.

The nine-member School Board unanimously approved the district’s reopening plan, which depends on the county transitioning to Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan by Aug. 24, the first day of classes. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho characterized the plan as “nimble” and a “work in progress.” He said the district will prepare for a fully online fall if necessary, due to the rising COVID-19 cases.

To read more, visit our news partner at the Miami Herald.

- Jimena Tavel/Miami Herald

No More On-Site Dining After Midnight In Broward County

Updated Thursday at 7 a.m.

From midnight until 5 a.m., Broward restaurants will have to shut down on-site dining. The emergency order was signed late Wednesday afternoon and will go into effect starting Thursday, July 2.

Alcohol sales will also be restricted during that time, but take-out, drive-through and delivery services will continue. 

- WLRN News

Residents Sue Palm Beach County For Mask Mandate

Updated Thursday at 7 a.m.

Four Palm Beach County residents have signed onto a lawsuit to block the county mandate requiring masks in public .

The 37-page complaint , filed Tuesday, claims Palm Beach County “recklessly required countless American citizens and Florida residents ... to submit to dangerous medical treatments with well-known risks and potential for serious injuries and death, including being forced to wear harmful medical devices like masks.”

The suit filed on behalf of Josie Machovec, Carl Holme, Rachel Eade and Robert Spreitzer — at least two of whom were among the dozens who expressed outrage over the proposal when commissioners approved it June 23 — claims the mandate “interferes with (their) personal liberty and constitutional rights” such as freedom of speech, right to privacy, due process and the “constitutionally protected right to enjoy and defend life and liberty.”

To read more, visit our news partner at the Palm Beach Post.

- Hannah Morse/Palm Beach Post

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