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Few new reported state coronavirus deaths, but Central Florida toll tops 200

  • Assistant general manager Sherry Pelfrey places a 'Now Offering Curbside...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Assistant general manager Sherry Pelfrey places a 'Now Offering Curbside Pick-Up' sign outside Ellie Lou's Brews & BBQ in Ocoee, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Korbin's business survived 9/11, hurricanes and a recession. Can it survive this? Her businesses, which include Ellie Lou's Brews & BBQ at 336 Moore Rd in Ocoee, Hill of Beans Coffee at the Orange County Convention Center, and funnel cake concessions at several Disney parks, has lost more than $400,000 to coronavirus. She will try to keep her businesses afloat by selling for the first-time ever BBQ delivery, dipping into her savings and pleading with banks to be patient. She has 58 employees, many of whom have been with her for a decade or longer. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • An election worker wears gloves while processing early voting ballots...

    Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel

    An election worker wears gloves while processing early voting ballots at the Broward County Supervisor Of Elections Office in Lauderhill on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. According to Broward County elections supervisor Peter Antonacci, workers have always worn gloves when handling ballots and the use of the gloves is not related to coronavirus concerns.

  • City of Orlando firefighters and city officials pose for photos...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    City of Orlando firefighters and city officials pose for photos as Wahlbugers brings meals to first responders at Orlando Fire Station One, on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Today the company will deliver 375 meals to first responders at the Orlando Fire and Orlando Police Departments. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Protestors gather in front of the Orange County Administration Building...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Protestors gather in front of the Orange County Administration Building to call for Florida to reopen from shutdowns during the Coronavirus epidemic on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Adrienne Egolfand and her children Sam, 7, and Hope, 5,...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Adrienne Egolfand and her children Sam, 7, and Hope, 5, look for ladybugs while taking a break from schoolwork to play in the family's backyard after having their lunch, on Monday, April 6, 2020. Egolf usually works from home, so she's doing that while having her kids at home with her. Her husband has an I.T. job that still requires him to go to his job. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Hew Kowalewski is pictured at his home in Kissimmee on...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Hew Kowalewski is pictured at his home in Kissimmee on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The sign in the window of his home calls for a fix of the state's unemployment system during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Residents of The Villages, Fla., keep social-distancing in a deserted...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Residents of The Villages, Fla., keep social-distancing in a deserted town square at Lake Sumter Landing, Monday, March 23, 2020. Many of the businesses in the market square are closed in response to the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Jocelyn Dagenais, 11, and Aiden Langton, 10, help deliver meals...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Jocelyn Dagenais, 11, and Aiden Langton, 10, help deliver meals provided by Orange County Public Schools to needy families in Bithlo, Friday, April 10, 2020. The volunteer delivery effort was organized by a group of east Orlando PTA moms in response to the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Guests wear masks to protect themselves against coronavirus at Disney's...

    Orlando Sentinel

    Guests wear masks to protect themselves against coronavirus at Disney's Epcot theme park. Friday, March 13, 2020.

  • Aiden Langton, 10, helps deliver meals provided by Orange County...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Aiden Langton, 10, helps deliver meals provided by Orange County Public Schools to needy families in Bithlo, Friday, April 10, 2020. The volunteer delivery effort was organized by a group of east Orlando PTA moms in response to the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Shoppers outside Trader JoeÕs in Winter Park, Fla., stand in...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Shoppers outside Trader JoeÕs in Winter Park, Fla., stand in line under shade tents for social distancing as the number of shoppers inside is limited in response to the coronavirus crisis, Thursday, April 2, 2020. Shoppers are stocking up on groceries and supplies on the eve of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' statewide coronavirus stay-at-home order, which takes effect at midnight Thursday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A traveler walks past a giant electronic mural at the...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A traveler walks past a giant electronic mural at the Magic of Disney store, which is still closed in response to the coronavirus crisis, at Orlando International Airport, Thursday, May 7, 2020. Airport passenger traffic continues to be light in the second month of the pandemic response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A soccer enthusiast gets a workout as Orlandoans take advantage...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A soccer enthusiast gets a workout as Orlandoans take advantage of the sunny weather for exercise at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando, Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Gov. Ron DeSantis' statewide shelter-in executive order in response to the coronavirus crisis is currently set to expire on Thursday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Michael, 5, and dad Dave Hammond, play with a sprinkler...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Michael, 5, and dad Dave Hammond, play with a sprinkler in the family's back-yard -- Kate and Dave Hammond, both Orange County Public School teachers working from home, with their 5-year-old Michael, and 16-month-old, Lucas, on Monday, March 30, 2020. OCPS students today begin teacher-facilitated distance learning due to the coronavirus. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Protestors gather in front of the Orange County Administration Building...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Protestors gather in front of the Orange County Administration Building to call for Florida to reopen from shutdowns during the Coronavirus epidemic on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A young surfer braves some big waves as westerly winds...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A young surfer braves some big waves as westerly winds create great surfing conditions in Ormond Beach, Fla., Thursday, April 30, 2020. Volusia County beaches, in east Central Florida, are partially open after restrictions were eased April 4, allowing visitors to exercise including walking, jogging, biking, fishing, surfing and swimming. Sunbathing and gathering in groups is still not permitted. The Volusia County Council is considering when to fully reopen the beaches that were closed in response to the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Custodial workers from Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Fla....

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Custodial workers from Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Fla. use an electrostatic disinfectant sprayer to deep clean at Wetherbee Elementary School, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. OCPS will deploy hundreds of workers across all Orange county schools to be deep cleaned in response to the coronavirus pandemic. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Ray Concepción unloads a pallet of garbage bags, along with...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Ray Concepción unloads a pallet of garbage bags, along with others of MREs -- The Salvation Army receives donations of hygiene products from Elevation Church Orlando; 1,188 pairs of socks from Hanesbrands; and pillows, luggage, and strollers from the Universal Boulevard Crowne Plaza Orlando, on Thursday, April 2, 2020. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • The area where toilet paper is stocked is empty at...

    Carline Jean / South Florida Sun Sentinel

    The area where toilet paper is stocked is empty at the Sams Club in Sunrise. People who are worried about being quarantine due to the Coronavirus, stock up on food, toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

  • Boaters travel along the Dead River in Tavares, Fla., on...

    Stephen M. Dowell/AP

    Boaters travel along the Dead River in Tavares, Fla., on Saturday, March 28, 2020. The waterway connects Lake Harris and Lake Eustis, and is a popular spot for people to practice "social distancing" on the water during the coronavirus outbreak. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

  • Ronny Young, of Port St. Joe, Florida, disembarks from the...

    Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/AP

    Ronny Young, of Port St. Joe, Florida, disembarks from the Caribbean Princess at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Wednesday, March 11, 2020. The cruise ship was given federal permission to dock in Florida after testing of two crew members cleared them of the new coronavirus and U.S. health officials lifted a "no sail" order. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

  • Florida governor Ron DeSantis answers a question during a press...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Florida governor Ron DeSantis answers a question during a press briefing on the stateÕs status in the coronavirus crisis, at Orlando HealthÕs Orlando Regional Medical Center, Sunday, April 26, 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Custodial workers from Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Fla....

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Custodial workers from Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Fla. use an electrostatic disinfectant sprayer to deep clean at Wetherbee Elementary School, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. OCPS will deploy hundreds of workers across all Orange county schools to be deep cleaned in response to the coronavirus pandemic. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A Maitland police car is posted at the boat ramp...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A Maitland police car is posted at the boat ramp on Lake Maitland at Fort Maitland Neighborhood Park, Monday, April 27, 2020. The city closed the ramp March 23 until further notice in response to the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Left to Right, Alejandra Aguilar and Sara Elbir don protective...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Left to Right, Alejandra Aguilar and Sara Elbir don protective gear that company owner Andrea Ruiz provided them -- Amazing Squad cleaning company, cleans one of their client's homes near College Park, on Friday, April 3, 2020. Andrea Ruiz's cleaning company Amazing Squad is rebranding itself in the time of coronavirus to offer deep cleaning and sanitizing services at home. She's lost much of her commercial work since businesses started shutting down. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Harvey Vives places food into an oven inside a state-of-the-art...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Harvey Vives places food into an oven inside a state-of-the-art delivery truck to make a food delivery for the East End Market on Friday, April 3, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings holds a press conference to...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings holds a press conference to discuss COVID-19 and County updates, on Monday, April 13, 2020. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • "You are loved" is spray-painted on the top floor of...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda / Orlando Sentinel

    "You are loved" is spray-painted on the top floor of the employee parking garage as a message of thanks and appreciation at the OrlandoHealth campus, on Monday, April 13, 2020. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • A pedestrian attempts to stay dry on Church St. during...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A pedestrian attempts to stay dry on Church St. during a soaking rain in downtown Orlando, Thursday, April 16, 2020. The rain —much-needed as Central Florida has been facing drought conditions— will stick around, with the forecast calling for showers through Saturday. It is the first consecutive days of significant rain that Orlando has seen since the end of February. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse and its Feed the Need program hand...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    4 Rivers Smokehouse and its Feed the Need program hand out free meals, produce, and fruit to out of work to the arts community at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. 4 Rivers Smokehouse and its Feed the Need program have partnered with St. Luke's United Methodist Church and local arts leaders to provide a once-a-week drive-through meal pickup for anyone who works in the arts. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Collection kits for COVID-19 testing at the Florida Department of...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Collection kits for COVID-19 testing at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, on Friday, March 27, 2020. DOH-Orange has their own testing facilities, and the tests they collect are sent for processing at the Jacksonville lab. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Nicole Jirau picks up unemployment forms outside the office of...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Nicole Jirau picks up unemployment forms outside the office of Florida Senator Linda Stewart in Orlando on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Unemployment assistance forms are printed out in English and Spanish and left outside the front door of the office on South Bumby Avenue. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Technician Amos Harris takes care of a customer at the...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Technician Amos Harris takes care of a customer at the College Park Sunoco gas station at 2610 Edgewater Drive, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The station has had full-service since 1954, (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • A resident of The Villages, Fla., gets tested for the...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A resident of The Villages, Fla., gets tested for the coronavirus with a nasal swab at a drive-through site that accomodates golf carts, at The Villages Polo Club, Monday, March 23, 2020. The testing site is being operated by UF Health, with University of Florida medical students performing the tests. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A cyclist rides past the Track Shack on North Mills...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A cyclist rides past the Track Shack on North Mills Avenue, in Orlando, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2020. ÒFor the health and well-being of our community and staff, Track Shack is closed. We are monitoring the COVID-19 coronavirus situation and look forward to reopening,Ó according to post on their blog, April 1. The store continues to accept online orders: http://trackshack.com/blog/1274/shop-local!-order-through-track-shack . (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Worshippers gather outside St. Paul's Catholic Church in Leesburg to...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Worshippers gather outside St. Paul's Catholic Church in Leesburg to listen to the live broadcast of daily Mass on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. The church is closed due to the Coronavirus epidemic, but the church continues to hold daily video services that are streamed and also broadcast over loudspeakers outside the church. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A guest wears a distinctive hat at Disney Springs in...

    Stephen M. Dowell/AP

    A guest wears a distinctive hat at Disney Springs in Orlando on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Walt Disney World's sprawling shopping and dining complex is beginning the first phase of getting back to business with 44 establishments welcoming the public during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

  • Hospital workers wave in response as a parade of first...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Hospital workers wave in response as a parade of first responders arrive with lights and sirens at Orlando HealthÕs Orlando Regional Medical Center for a "Salute to Medical Professionals,Ó Wednesday evening, April 15, 2020. OrlandoÕs various police, fire and rescue agencies participated to honor Orlando Health medical workers during the coronavirus crisis. The (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Drive-thru, community-based Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for the test, at the...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda / Orlando Sentinel

    Drive-thru, community-based Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for the test, at the Orange County Convention Center, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. If a person meets the requirements for testing during the pre-screening, they are then directed to another location for the test. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • A cyclist passes a Covid-19 advisory sign on Horatio Avenue...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A cyclist passes a Covid-19 advisory sign on Horatio Avenue in Maitland, Fla., Monday, April 6, 2020. Residents of Orange County are under a mandatory stay-at-home order through April 9, which includes an 11pm to 5am curfew countywide, in response to the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Medicial staff of Aventus Biolabs gets ready for the COVID-19...

    Jason Beede / Orlando Sentinel

    Medicial staff of Aventus Biolabs gets ready for the COVID-19 testing site inside Garage A at UCF's campus on Monday.

  • Boaters congregate at the site where a dead manateee was...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Boaters congregate at the site where a dead manateee was spotted near Hontoon Island State Park, near DeLand, Monday, May 4, 2020. The park on the St. Johns River is one of 80 opened Ñwith some restrictionsÑ across Florida, Monday, in Phase One of the governorÕs ÒSmart. Safe. Step-By-Step.Ó plan to reopen the state in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. State widlife officials were notified about the dead animal in the water. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A young pedestrian walking with his family on Park Avenue...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A young pedestrian walking with his family on Park Avenue stops to inspect the mannequin display at Tuni, a womens fashion and accessories store, in Winter Park, Fla., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. The mannequins, donning only face masks and gloves in response to the coronavirus crisis, encourage shoppers with written messages. Although the Park Avenue location is closed during Orange CountyÕs mandatory shelter-in order, patrons can still shop online from the storeÕs website. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Lucky Leprechaun Irish Pub co-owner Linsey Ballardin gives patron Hank...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Lucky Leprechaun Irish Pub co-owner Linsey Ballardin gives patron Hank Casenove a lucky charm for St. PatrickÕs Day, a few hours before the pub on International Drive had to shut down as mandated by Gov. Ron DeSantis as a response to the coronavirus pandemic, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A family prepares to go through securtiy at TSA, donning...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A family prepares to go through securtiy at TSA, donning masks and gloves, at Orlando International Airport, Thursday, May 7, 2020. Airport passenger traffic continues to be light in the second month of the pandemic response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Shoppers wait in line outside a Costco in Altamonte Springs,...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Shoppers wait in line outside a Costco in Altamonte Springs, Fla., for the 10am store opening, Thursday March 19, 2020. Hundreds gathered for the opening even though this location was out of stock on hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bleach and other high-demand sanitation products as a result of the coronavirus response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Volunteers flag traffic during a grocery giveaway at the Experience...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Volunteers flag traffic during a grocery giveaway at the Experience Christian Center in Pine Hills, Friday, April 17, 2020. The church distributed weekend meals for 500 residents impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Former Florida Democratic Lt. Governor nominee Chris King sponsored the event with Elevation Financial Group of Orlando and assisted in the distribution of meals. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A traveler walks past a giant mural at the Universal...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A traveler walks past a giant mural at the Universal Orlando store, which is still closed in response to the coronavirus crisis, at Orlando International Airport, Thursday, May 7, 2020. Airport passenger traffic continues to be light in the second month of the pandemic response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Kids play at Azalea Park Learning Center childcare facility in...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Kids play at Azalea Park Learning Center childcare facility in Orlando on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A patient is evacuated from the Holland America cruise ship...

    Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel

    A patient is evacuated from the Holland America cruise ship the Zaandam at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Thursday, April 2, 2020. A cruise ship that had at least two passengers die of coronavirus and others sickened while barred from South American ports has finally docked in Florida. The Zaandam and a sister ship sent to help it, the Rotterdam, were given permission to unload passengers at Port Everglades on Thursday, after days of negotiations with officials who feared it would divert resources from a region with a spike in virus cases. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

  • Worshippers put their hands in the air during services at...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Worshippers put their hands in the air during services at The Center Arena in Orlando on Sunday, April 5, 2020. The church is holding services during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A young visitor to Lake Lily Park in Maitland delights...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A young visitor to Lake Lily Park in Maitland delights in skipping along the boardwalk in perfect weather, Monday, April 27, 2020, with temperatures in the mid-70s and plenty of sunshine. Lake Lily is a 5-acre park with a boardwalk, playgrounds, showcase fountain, walking paths, a gazebo & museum. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Former Florida Democratic Lt. Governor nominee Chris King (right) assists...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Former Florida Democratic Lt. Governor nominee Chris King (right) assists in handing out meals during a grocery giveaway at the Experience Christian Center in Pine Hills, Friday, April 17, 2020. The church distributed weekend meals for 500 residents impacted by the coronavirus crisis. The event was sponsored by the King family and Elevation Financial Group of Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Kendel Hernderson a zookeeper at the Central Florida Zoo &...

    Rich Pope / Orlando Sentinel

    Kendel Hernderson a zookeeper at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens releases peccary after cleaning the pig-like mammals enclosure on April 2, 2020. Zookeepers at the zoo continue to care for and keep the animals healthy while the zoo remains closed due to the coronavirus epidemic. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)

  • A driver pulls up to get a load of food...

    Mike Stocker / South Florida Sun Sentinel

    A driver pulls up to get a load of food at the Cooper City Sports Complex on Stirling Road during a Feeding South Florida COVID-19 food distribution on Tuesday April 7, 2020.

  • Jeremiah's Italian Ice makes a food-truck stop to give free...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Jeremiah's Italian Ice makes a food-truck stop to give free treats to healthcare workers at the Orlando Health campus, on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Visitors to Park Avenue in Winter Park dine al fresco...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Visitors to Park Avenue in Winter Park dine al fresco on the street as restaurants and shops opened in the popular district with Phase One restrictions in place in response to the coronavirus crisis, Saturday, May 9, 2020. Current restrictions for restaurants for most of Florida include socially distanced outdoor dining and 25% maximum capacity for indoor dining. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Natasa Strbo, M.D., D.Sc., research assistant professor of microbiology and...

    Mike Stocker / South Florida Sun Sentinel

    Natasa Strbo, M.D., D.Sc., research assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is working along with Heat Biologics, Inc.to develop a vaccine designed to target the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19 on Friday March 13, 2020. She has has spent many years advancing the gp96 platform as a vaccine against HIV, malaria, zika and other infectious diseases.

  • Jessica Rivers, left, and Rose Teufelchen disinfect a counter top...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Jessica Rivers, left, and Rose Teufelchen disinfect a counter top at Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe German Restaurant in downtown Sanford on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A couple takes Covid-19 precautions donning facemasks during a leisurely...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A couple takes Covid-19 precautions donning facemasks during a leisurely stroll through downtown Winter Garden, Fla. Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Weather was near perfect for a walk, with highs in the low 80s and plenty of sunshine. Rain is forecast for Friday and Saturday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Maxine and Kirt Earhart, at their restaurant, MaxineÕs on Shine,...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Maxine and Kirt Earhart, at their restaurant, MaxineÕs on Shine, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. The restaurant is closed, and they hope to reopen with Maxine's Market and Maxine's on Demand delivery service, around April 9th or 10th. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Amanda Paolicelli throws her grad cap as her family cheers...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Amanda Paolicelli throws her grad cap as her family cheers in front of the garage of her family's home in Orlando on Saturday, May 2, 2020. UCF and other state universities had to cancel in-person graduation ceremonies this spring and hold virtual ceremonies because of closures and restrictions intended to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Amanda's father, Vincent Paolicelli, left, made a stage for Amanda to walk across in cap and gown so she could experience the graduation event at home. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Travelers walk past a giant electronic mural at the Magic...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Travelers walk past a giant electronic mural at the Magic of Disney store, which is still closed in response to the coronavirus crisis, at Orlando International Airport, Thursday, May 7, 2020. Airport passenger traffic continues to be light in the second month of the pandemic response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A resident of The Villages, Fla., gets tested for the...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A resident of The Villages, Fla., gets tested for the coronavirus with a nasal swab at a drive-through site, at The Villages Polo Club, Monday, March 23, 2020. The testing site is being operated by UF Health, with University of Florida medical students performing the tests. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A guest has their temperature taken at the entrance to...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    A guest has their temperature taken at the entrance to Universal CityWalk on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Universal began limited operation of select venues at CityWalk on Thursday. They are also limiting capacity at venues and increasing cleaning and disinfection procedures due to the Coronavirus. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A TSA agent walks past the Magic of Disney store,...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A TSA agent walks past the Magic of Disney store, which is still closed in response to the coronavirus crisis, at Orlando International Airport, Thursday, May 7, 2020. Airport passenger traffic continues to be light in the second month of the pandemic response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Left to Right, Alejandra Aguilar cleans and disinfects a residence...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Left to Right, Alejandra Aguilar cleans and disinfects a residence -- Amazing Squad cleaning company, cleans one of their client's homes near College Park, on Friday, April 3, 2020. Andrea Ruiz's cleaning company Amazing Squad is rebranding itself in the time of coronavirus to offer deep cleaning and sanitizing services at home. She's lost much of her commercial work since businesses started shutting down. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Intern Sergio Silva prepares a bag of food at United...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Intern Sergio Silva prepares a bag of food at United Against Poverty is helping undeserved and impoverished communities apply for unemployment at its downtown Orlando site where they have a computer lab to help folks sign up, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Josef Grusauskas, left, donates blood at the One Blood Big...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Josef Grusauskas, left, donates blood at the One Blood Big Red Bus in downtown Mount Dora on Friday, March 20, 2020. At right is One Blood employee Sabal Wiley. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Maddie Rourke and her dog Athena find some shade at...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Maddie Rourke and her dog Athena find some shade at the Katie's Landing canoe launch at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, near Sanford, Monday, May 4, 2020. The 12-year-old was visiting the park with her family from Longwood. The forecast is calling for all sunshine with highs near 90 on Wednesday, with a brief window of cooler weather on Thursday with highs predicted near 80. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • An empty food court as vsitors to Orlando International Premium...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    An empty food court as vsitors to Orlando International Premium Outlet find sparse attendance and many stores closed, Tuesday, May 12, 2020. The mall reopened as part of the stateÕs Phase One coronavirus response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Orlando Police motor unit Sgt. Wayne Costa gestures for a...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Orlando Police motor unit Sgt. Wayne Costa gestures for a driver to slow down while taking a radar reading on S.R. 408 during ÔOperation Highway Slow DownÕ in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, April 21, 2020. OPD is running the speed enforcement and awareness campaign on state roads 408, 417, and 528, through May 1. The initiative is being launched in response to reports of increased speeding and aggressive driving on Central Florida roads during the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • University of Florida medical students ride in a golf cart...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    University of Florida medical students ride in a golf cart during drive-through testing for the coronavirus at The Villages, Fla., Polo Club, Monday, March 23, 2020. The test site is being operated by UF Health. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • The Rourke family from Longwood study a trail map at...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    The Rourke family from Longwood study a trail map at KatieÕs Landing at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, near Sanford, Monday, May 4, 2020. The park on the Wekiva River is one of 80 that opened Ñwith some restrictionsÑ across Florida, Monday, in Phase One of the governorÕs ÒSmart. Safe. Step-By-Step.Ó plan to reopen the state in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Artwork celebrating the importance of health care workers is pictured...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Artwork celebrating the importance of health care workers is pictured outside the ER at the Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Self-taught Orlando artist Nelson Cardenas, a prep cook who has worked for the past six years in the kitchen at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, has donated six pieces of art inspired by healthcare workers. The artwork, which was installed on a fence near the entrance to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital's emergency department on May 14, was created by sketching the various subjects on 4' x 4' plywood and then burning the design using a blow torch—a technique referred to as pyrography.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Holland America's Rotterdam cruise ship docks at Port Everglades in...

    Mike Stocker/AP

    Holland America's Rotterdam cruise ship docks at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Thursday, April 2, 2020, as people aboard the ship wave. A cruise ship that has been floating at sea with coronavirus patients aboard for two weeks after being turned away from South American ports was finally allowed to dock in Florida. The Zaandam and a sister ship sent to help it, the Rotterdam, were both given permission to disembark passengers at Port Everglades after days of negotiation with local officials who feared it would divert needed resources from a region that has seen a spike in virus cases. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

  • A construction worker wears a particulate respirator mask while on...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A construction worker wears a particulate respirator mask while on the job at the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Wednesday, April 1, 2020. The P100 mask he is wearing is for protection from debris and materials that are larger than 0.3 microns and is commonly used in construction and industrial work. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Medicial staff of Aventus Biolabs carefully saves the results of...

    Jason Beede / Orlando Sentinel

    Medicial staff of Aventus Biolabs carefully saves the results of a COVID-19 test inside Garage A at UCF's campus on Monday.

  • Sandra Roe prepares collection kits for COVID-19 testing at the...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Sandra Roe prepares collection kits for COVID-19 testing at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, on Friday, March 27, 2020. DOH-Orange has their own testing facilities, and the tests they collect are sent for processing at the Jacksonville lab. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Florida governor Ron DeSantis removes his face mask as he...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Florida governor Ron DeSantis removes his face mask as he arrives for a press briefing on the state's status in the coronavirus crisis, at Orlando Health's Orlando Regional Medical Center, Sunday, April 26, 2020. All the speakers participating in the briefing removed their masks to deliver remarks and answer questions. DeSantis is arriving with Orlando Health President & CEO David Strong, left. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Coronavirus has been found in several people in Florida.

    Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel Illustration

    Coronavirus has been found in several people in Florida.

  • Left to Right, Intake coordinator Jaye Silvagnoli, hands forms to...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Left to Right, Intake coordinator Jaye Silvagnoli, hands forms to Patrick Roberts as intern Sergio Silva waits for a laptop to reboot, to try and help Roberts fill out an unemployment claim at the unresponsive Florida Department of Economic Opportunity website -- United Against Poverty is helping undeserved and impoverished communities apply for unemployment at its downtown Orlando site where they have a computer lab to help folks sign up, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • There are only two customers enjoying lunch at the Top...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    There are only two customers enjoying lunch at the Top Top Hot Pot Chinese restaurant on Alafaya Trail on Friday, March 13, 2020. There has been a downturn in business at the restaurant due to the Coronavirus. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Visitors walk along Park Avenue in Winter Park as restaurants...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Visitors walk along Park Avenue in Winter Park as restaurants and shops opened in the popular district with Phase One restrictions in place in response to the coronavirus crisis, Saturday, May 9, 2020. Current restrictions for restaurants for most of Florida include socially distanced outdoor dining and 25% maximum capacity for indoor dining. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • From left, Aiden Langton, 10, Mckenzie Langton, 9, and Jocelyn...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    From left, Aiden Langton, 10, Mckenzie Langton, 9, and Jocelyn Dagenais, 11, help deliver meals provided by Orange County Public Schools to needy families in Bithlo, Friday, April 10, 2020. The volunteer delivery effort was organized by a group of east Orlando PTA moms in response to the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Hank Scott walks through the corn at Long & Scott...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Hank Scott walks through the corn at Long & Scott Farms in Zellwood on Friday, April 10, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Shoppers browse at the Winter Garden Farmers Market on Saturday,...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Shoppers browse at the Winter Garden Farmers Market on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Social distancing and other measures are in place at the market during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Police, fire and rescue agencies arrive to cheers from medical...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Police, fire and rescue agencies arrive to cheers from medical staff at the main entrance to Central Florida Regional Hospital, in Sanford, for a ÔHeroes Thanking HeroesÕ parade, Wednesday, April 29, 2020. First responders from Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood, Altamonte Springs and Seminole County caravanned to thank the workers during visits to CFRH, AdventHealth Lake Mary and Orlando Health Lake Mary. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A shopper leaves a Winn Dixie grocery store in Fern...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A shopper leaves a Winn Dixie grocery store in Fern Park, Fla., donning a mask in response to the coronavirus crisis, Thursday, April 2, 2020. Shoppers are stocking up on groceries and supplies on the eve of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' statewide coronavirus stay-at-home order, which takes effect at midnight Thursday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A visitor to Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando walks...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A visitor to Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando walks past the 'Take Flight' sculpture on the north side of the park, Thursday, May 14, 2020. The sculpture was produced by Los Angeles-based bronze sculptor Douwe Blumberg and installed at Lake Eola in 2013. Blumberg's sculptures have been commissioned across the U.S., including at One World Trade Center near the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Intern Sergio Silva tries to fill out unemployment forms online...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Intern Sergio Silva tries to fill out unemployment forms online for Arthur Riley -- the website for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is unresponsive -- United Against Poverty is helping undeserved and impoverished communities apply for unemployment at its downtown Orlando site where they have a computer lab to help folks sign up, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • People gather to get lunch at The Daily Bread, on...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    People gather to get lunch at The Daily Bread, on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. The Daily Bread, a soup kitchen run by the Christian Service Center, is still serving large numbers of homeless and low-income Central Floridians, despite the coronavirus pandemic. But the operation has switched from a cafeteria to take out to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Pastor Cliff Lea preaches from a stage during a drive-in...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Pastor Cliff Lea preaches from a stage during a drive-in Palm Sunday worship service at the First Baptist Church of Leesburg on Sunday, April 5, 2020. The service was held in the parking lot of the church, where worshippers showed up in their vehicles and listened to the service via FM radio. This allowed for the proper "social distancing" during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Socially distancing becomes a problem at a narrow spot on...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Socially distancing becomes a problem at a narrow spot on the sidewalk for a pedestrian on Church St. during a soaking rain in downtown Orlando, Fla., Thursday, April 16, 2020. The rain Ñmuch-needed as Central Florida has been facing drought conditionsÑ will stick around, with the forecast calling for showers through Saturday. It is the first consecutive days of significant rain that Orlando has seen since the end of February. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A kayaking fisherman navigates the waters of the Wekiva River...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A kayaking fisherman navigates the waters of the Wekiva River at KatieÕs Landing in the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, near Sanford, Monday, May 4, 2020. The riverfront park is one of 80 that opened Ñwith some restrictionsÑ across Florida, Monday, in Phase One of the governorÕs ÒSmart. Safe. Step-By-Step.Ó plan to reopen the state in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Drive-thru, community-based Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for the test, at the...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda / Orlando Sentinel

    Drive-thru, community-based Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for the test, at the Orange County Convention Center, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. If a person meets the requirements for testing during the pre-screening, they are then directed to another location for the test. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • A resident of The Villages, Fla., gets tested for the...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A resident of The Villages, Fla., gets tested for the coronavirus with a nasal swab at a drive-through site that accomodates golf carts, at The Villages Polo Club, Monday, March 23, 2020. The testing site is being operated by UF Health, with University of Florida medical students performing the tests. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Personal protection equipment drive at Hardcore Fitness in Winter Park,...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Personal protection equipment drive at Hardcore Fitness in Winter Park, for community members to donate gloves, masks, hand sanitizer and other protective gear that healthcare workers need, on Friday, April 10, 2020. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Pastor Cliff Lea preaches from a stage during a drive-in...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Pastor Cliff Lea preaches from a stage during a drive-in Palm Sunday worship service at the First Baptist Church of Leesburg on Sunday, April 5, 2020. The service was held in the parking lot of the church, where worshippers showed up in their vehicles and listened to the service via FM radio. This allowed for the proper "social distancing" during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Crew members swab down Florida's House floor at the state...

    Bobby Caina Calvan/AP

    Crew members swab down Florida's House floor at the state Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla., Monday, March 9, 2020, after several members voluntarily submitted themselves for testing of a new strain of coronavirus. The Florida House abruptly recessed Monday afternoon and cleared public galleries after several of its members agreed to be tested for the new strain of coronavirus after recently attending a political event in Washington where one attendee tested positive for COVID-19. (AP Photo/Bobby Caina Calvan)

  • A lone pedestrian walks past a closed luggage shop on...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A lone pedestrian walks past a closed luggage shop on a deserted International Drive as the response to the coronavirus pandemic takes its toll on the entertainment, dining and shopping district south of downtown Orlando, Fla., Thursday, April 23, 2020. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Alessandra Lozzi "attends" a ballet class online in the living...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Alessandra Lozzi "attends" a ballet class online in the living room of her home in Orlando on Thursday, April 16, 2020. As part of the "distance learning" curriculum in Orange schools, the region's major arts groups are serving as teachers to young students.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A girl gazes at Mickey Mouse balloons at Disney Springs...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS

    A girl gazes at Mickey Mouse balloons at Disney Springs in Orlando on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Walt Disney World's sprawling shopping and dining complex is beginning the first phase of getting back to business, with 44 establishments welcoming the public during the coronavirus pandemic.

  • Even though a statewide shelter-in order is still in effect...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Even though a statewide shelter-in order is still in effect in response to the coronavirus crisis, Orlandoans take advantage of the sunny weather for walking and exercise at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando, Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order is currently set to expire on Thursday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Hospital workers wave in response as a parade of first...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Hospital workers wave in response as a parade of first responders arrive with lights and sirens at Orlando HealthÕs Orlando Regional Medical Center for a "Salute to Medical Professionals,Ó Wednesday evening, April 15, 2020. OrlandoÕs various police, fire and rescue agencies participated to honor Orlando Health medical workers during the coronavirus crisis. The (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A medical employee at Aventus Biolabs prepares the testing area...

    Jason Beede / Orlando Sentinel

    A medical employee at Aventus Biolabs prepares the testing area inside UCF's Garage A on Monday.

  • Florida governor Ron DeSantis removes his face mask as he...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Florida governor Ron DeSantis removes his face mask as he arrives for a press briefing on the state's status in the coronavirus crisis, at Orlando Health's Orlando Regional Medical Center, Sunday, April 26, 2020. All the speakers participating in the briefing removed their masks to deliver remarks and answer questions. DeSantis is arriving with Orlando Health President & CEO David Strong, left. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Jocelyn Dagenais, 11, adjust the mask of her younger brother,...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Jocelyn Dagenais, 11, adjust the mask of her younger brother, Luc Dagenais, 10, as McKenzie Langton, 9, (left) looks on as the students help deliver meals provided by Orange County Public Schools to needy families in Bithlo, Fla., Friday, April 10, 2020. The volunteer delivery effort was organized by a group of east Orlando PTA moms in response to the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Civilian nurses contracted by the Florida Department of Health gather...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Civilian nurses contracted by the Florida Department of Health gather before the start of testing for Covid-19 at the Regional Temporary Drive-Through Testing Site at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Wednesday marked the first day of testing age restrictions being lifted at the OCCC site. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Garden Theater master electrician David Clenney installs a new message...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Garden Theater master electrician David Clenney installs a new message on the marquee at the theater on Plant St. in Winter Garden, Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Garden Theater is moving the remainder of their season to Fall 2020 in response to the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Guests enjoy themselves at Universal CityWalk on Thursday, May 14,...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Guests enjoy themselves at Universal CityWalk on Thursday, May 14, 2020. Universal began limited operation of select venues at CityWalk on Thursday. They are also limiting capacity at venues and increasing cleaning and disinfection procedures due to the Coronavirus. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Isaie Marc, calls to hospitality workers to start their caravan...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Isaie Marc, calls to hospitality workers to start their caravan along International Drive, to ask for unemployment assistance and a safe return to work, on Monday, May 11, 2020. Members of the Orlando Hotel and Restaurant Workers Movement UNITE HERE Local 737, representing 20,000 Workers in the Central Florida Tourism Industry at Walt Disney World, Orange County Convention Center, Hilton Buena Vista Palace, and Doubletree Hotel across from Universal Studios, took place in the caravan demonstration. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Florida National Guardsmen walk past nurses gathering before the start...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Florida National Guardsmen walk past nurses gathering before the start of testing for Covid-19 at the Regional Temporary Drive-Through Testing Site at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Wednesday marked the first day of testing age restrictions being lifted at the OCCC site. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Sandra Roe puts on a protective mask and gloves before...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Sandra Roe puts on a protective mask and gloves before preparing collection kits for COVID-19 testing at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, on Friday, March 27, 2020. DOH-Orange has their own testing facilities, and the tests they collect are sent for processing at the Jacksonville lab. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • The volcano at Universal's Volcano Bay water park looms over...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    The volcano at Universal's Volcano Bay water park looms over a deserted International Drive midday as the response to the coronavirus pandemic takes its toll on the entertainment, shopping and dining district south of downtown Orlando, Fla., Thursday, April 23, 2020. Universal has extended the closing of all Universal Orlando Resort's parks, hotels, shopping, dining and entertainment venues through May because of coronavirus safety concerns. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Pastor Rich Vera preaches at The Center Arena in Orlando...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Pastor Rich Vera preaches at The Center Arena in Orlando on Sunday, April 5, 2020. The church is holding services during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Drive-thru, community-based Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for the test, at the...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Drive-thru, community-based Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for the test, at the Orange County Convention Center, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. If a person meets the requirements for testing during the pre-screening, they are then directed to another location for the test. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Shoppers leave a Winn Dixie grocery store in Fern Park,...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Shoppers leave a Winn Dixie grocery store in Fern Park, Fla., donning masks in response to the coronavirus crisis, Thursday, April 2, 2020. Shoppers are stocking up on groceries and supplies on the eve of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' statewide coronavirus stay-at-home order, which takes effect at midnight Thursday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Residents of The Villages are screened for the coronavirus on...

    Rich Pope / Orlando Sentinel

    Residents of The Villages are screened for the coronavirus on Monday, March 23, 2020, the first day of a new drive-through testing site in the center of the huge senior community. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)

  • A University of Florida medical student displays an information sheet...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A University of Florida medical student displays an information sheet to a resident of The Villages, Fla., at a drive-through coronavirus testing site at The Villages Polo Club, Monday, March 23, 2020. The test site is being operated by UF Health. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A Costco worker sanitizes a shopping cart as hundreds of...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A Costco worker sanitizes a shopping cart as hundreds of shoppers wait in line outside a Costco in Altamonte Springs, Fla., for the 10am store opening, Thursday March 19, 2020. This location was out of stock on hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bleach and other high-demand sanitation products as a result of the coronavirus response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Left to Right, Alejandra Aguilar and Sara Elbir clean and...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Left to Right, Alejandra Aguilar and Sara Elbir clean and disinfect a residence -- Amazing Squad cleaning company, cleans one of their client's homes near College Park, on Friday, April 3, 2020. Andrea Ruiz's cleaning company Amazing Squad is rebranding itself in the time of coronavirus to offer deep cleaning and sanitizing services at home. She's lost much of her commercial work since businesses started shutting down. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Thomas Ward works on a takeout order at his restaurant,...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Thomas Ward works on a takeout order at his restaurant, Pig Floyd's in Orlando, on Friday, April 3, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Lucas ,16-month-old, plays while mom Kate Hammond works on her...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Lucas ,16-month-old, plays while mom Kate Hammond works on her laptop -- Kate and Dave Hammond, both Orange County Public School teachers working from home, with their 5-year-old Michael, and 16-month-old, Lucas, on Monday, March 30, 2020. OCPS students today begin teacher-facilitated distance learning due to the coronavirus. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Drive-thru, community-based Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for the test, at the...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Drive-thru, community-based Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for the test, at the Orange County Convention Center, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. If a person meets the requirements for testing during the pre-screening, they are then directed to another location for the test. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Gabryel Spuck, left, and his brother Carter Curry hold a...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Gabryel Spuck, left, and his brother Carter Curry hold a sign outside First Presbyterian Church in Eustis on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The sign was in honor of first responders efforts in the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Drive-thru, community-based Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for the test, at the...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda / Orlando Sentinel

    Drive-thru, community-based Coronavirus (COVID-19) pre-screening for the test, at the Orange County Convention Center, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. If a person meets the requirements for testing during the pre-screening, they are then directed to another location for the test. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Orlando Police officers pose for a picture with the Easter...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Orlando Police officers pose for a picture with the Easter Bunny before an Easter parade in Orlando on Saturday, April 11, 2020. The parade, conducted with "social distancing" during the Coronavirus, was held in College Park. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A Residents of The Villages is screened for the coronavirus...

    Rich Pope / Orlando Sentinel

    A Residents of The Villages is screened for the coronavirus on Monday, March 23, 2020, the first day of a new drive-through testing site in the center of the huge senior community. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)

  • An election worker dons gloves before processing vote-by-mail ballots at...

    Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel

    An election worker dons gloves before processing vote-by-mail ballots at the Broward County Supervisor Of Elections Office in Lauderhill on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. According to Broward County elections supervisor Peter Antonacci, workers have always worn gloves when handling ballots and the use of the gloves is not related to coronavirus concerns.

  • A fisherman makes a cast on the St. Johns River...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A fisherman makes a cast on the St. Johns River at Hontoon Island State Park, near DeLand, Monday, May 4, 2020. The park is one of 80 opened Ñwith some restrictionsÑ across Florida, Monday, in Phase One of the governorÕs ÒSmart. Safe. Step-By-Step.Ó plan to reopen the state in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Bryan Elliot inspects a compactor at the Orange County Eastern...

    Rich Pope / Orlando Sentinel

    Bryan Elliot inspects a compactor at the Orange County Eastern Water Reclamation Facility on April 2, 2020. As coronavirus concerns has caused individuals to stockpile toilet paper, leaving supplies at stores scarce, the plant has to remain extra vigilant on removing products not sewer system safe from the processing plant. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)

  • Restaurant manager Dave ÒEnglishÓ Lengert readies barware at Hollerbach's Willow...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Restaurant manager Dave ÒEnglishÓ Lengert readies barware at Hollerbach's Willow Tree Caf? in downtown Sanford, Saturday, May 2, 2020, in anticipation of MondayÕs Phase 1 business reopenings statewide. Closed in response to the coronavirus crisis, restaurants can open May 4 with outdoor seating six feet apart for patrons and indoor seating limited to 25% of dining room capacity. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Protestors gather in front of the Orange County Administration Building...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Protestors gather in front of the Orange County Administration Building to call for Florida to reopen from shutdowns during the Coronavirus epidemic on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Restaurant owner Christina Hollerbach readies her restaurant, Hollerbach's Willow Tree...

    Joe Burbank/AP

    Restaurant owner Christina Hollerbach readies her restaurant, Hollerbach's Willow Tree Café in downtown Sanford, Fla., Saturday, May 2, 2020, in anticipation of Monday's Phase 1 business reopenings statewide. Closed in response to the coronavirus crisis, restaurants can open May 4 with outdoor seating six feet apart for patrons and indoor seating limited to 25 percent of dining room capacity. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

  • A visitor to Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando works...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A visitor to Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando works out in the perfect weather, Monday, April 27, 2020, enjoying mid-70s temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Forecast for the week calls for a mix of sun with some rain predicted for Thursday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Passengers stand in the balconies before disembarking from the Caribbean...

    Pedro Portal/AP

    Passengers stand in the balconies before disembarking from the Caribbean Princess that returned early morning from its sailing after being previously declared "no sail" status due to coronavirus. Two crew members were tested and found disease-free.at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. (Pedro Portal/Miami Herald via AP)

  • Guests wave goodbye to Mickey Mouse and friends on Main...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Guests wave goodbye to Mickey Mouse and friends on Main Street USA, in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, after the characters made a surprise appearance in the final minutes before the park closed, Sunday night, March 15, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Walt Disney World announced that all their Florida parks will be closed for the rest of March as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Pastor Cliff Lea preaches from a stage during a drive-in...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Pastor Cliff Lea preaches from a stage during a drive-in Palm Sunday worship service at the First Baptist Church of Leesburg on Sunday, April 5, 2020. The service was held in the parking lot of the church, where worshippers showed up in their vehicles and listened to the service via FM radio. This allowed for the proper "social distancing" during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Shoppers, some wearing masks to protect against Coronavirus infection, gather...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Shoppers, some wearing masks to protect against Coronavirus infection, gather outside the Sam's Club at The Villages retirement community on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Hank Scott grabs a cucumber that was just hand-picked at...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Hank Scott grabs a cucumber that was just hand-picked at Long & Scott Farms in Zellwood on Friday, April 10, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A fisherman passes closed boat slips at Hontoon Island State...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A fisherman passes closed boat slips at Hontoon Island State Park, near DeLand, Monday, May 4, 2020. The park on the St. Johns River is one of 80 opened Ñwith some restrictionsÑ across Florida, Monday, in Phase One of the governorÕs ÒSmart. Safe. Step-By-Step.Ó plan to reopen the state in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. During the restrictions, the island park is only accessible by private boat and with a reduced number of boat slips available. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Left to Right, Alejandra Aguilar cleans and disinfects a residence...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Left to Right, Alejandra Aguilar cleans and disinfects a residence -- Amazing Squad cleaning company, cleans one of their client's homes near College Park, on Friday, April 3, 2020. Andrea Ruiz's cleaning company Amazing Squad is rebranding itself in the time of coronavirus to offer deep cleaning and sanitizing services at home. She's lost much of her commercial work since businesses started shutting down. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Revelers enjoy a leisurely cruise on the St. Johns River...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Revelers enjoy a leisurely cruise on the St. Johns River at Hontoon Island State Park, near DeLand, Monday, May 4, 2020. The park is one of 80 opened Ñwith some restrictionsÑ across Florida, Monday, in Phase One of the governorÕs ÒSmart. Safe. Step-By-Step.Ó plan to reopen the state in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A runner uses a bandana as a mask, passing the...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A runner uses a bandana as a mask, passing the fountain at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, Monday, April 13, 2020. Exercise is one of the activities exempted from the stay-at-home order for all Orange County residents, issued by Orange County mayor Jerry Demings in response to the coronavirus crisis. Other exemptions include buying groceries, supplies and takeout food; visiting a doctor, and taking a pet for a walk. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Pastor Cliff Lea preaches from a stage during a drive-in...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Pastor Cliff Lea preaches from a stage during a drive-in Palm Sunday worship service at the First Baptist Church of Leesburg on Sunday, April 5, 2020. The service was held in the parking lot of the church, where worshippers showed up in their vehicles and listened to the service via FM radio. This allowed for the proper "social distancing" during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Visitors to Park Avenue in Winter Park dine al fresco...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Visitors to Park Avenue in Winter Park dine al fresco on th e street as restaurants and shops opened in the popular district with Phase One restrictions in place in response to the coronavirus crisis, Saturday, May 9, 2020. Current restrictions for restaurants for most of Florida include socially distanced outdoor dining and 25% maximum capacity for indoor dining. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Barber Leroy Owens, right, cuts a customers hair at J...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Barber Leroy Owens, right, cuts a customers hair at J HenryÕs, left, Barber Shop on Church Street in downtown Orlando, Monday, May 11, 2020. J HenryÕs was one of the hair salons that reopened Monday as a part of the stateÕs Phase One coronavirus response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Orange County Health Services Covid-19 testing site at Legacy Middle...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Orange County Health Services Covid-19 testing site at Legacy Middle School off Lake Underhill Road in Orlando, on Thursday, May 7, 2020. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Guests take pictures at Disney Springs in Orlando, Fla., on...

    Stephen M. Dowell/AP

    Guests take pictures at Disney Springs in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Walt Disney World's sprawling shopping and dining complex is beginning the first phase of getting back to business with 44 establishments welcoming the public amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

  • A Costco worker sanitizes a shopping cart as hundreds of...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A Costco worker sanitizes a shopping cart as hundreds of shoppers wait in line outside a Costco in Altamonte Springs, Fla., for the 10am store opening, Thursday March 19, 2020. This location was out of stock on hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bleach and other high-demand sanitation products as a result of the coronavirus response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A cyclist passes a Covid-19 advisory sign on Horatio Avenue...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A cyclist passes a Covid-19 advisory sign on Horatio Avenue in Maitland, Fla., Monday, April 6, 2020. Residents of Orange County are under a mandatory stay-at-home order through April 9, which includes an 11pm to 5am curfew countywide, in response to the coronavirus crisis. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A young pedestrian walking with his family on Park Avenue...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A young pedestrian walking with his family on Park Avenue stops to inspect the mannequin display at Tuni, a womens fashion and accessories store, in Winter Park, Tuesday, April 14, 2020. The mannequins, donning only face masks and gloves in response to the coronavirus crisis, encourage shoppers with written messages. Although the Park Avenue location is closed during Orange County's mandatory shelter-in order, patrons can still shop online from the store's website. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Workers at Second Harvest Food Bank move two trailer's worth...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Workers at Second Harvest Food Bank move two trailer's worth of produce, dairy, and prepared foods received from Disney parks, on Monday, March 16, 2020. Walt Disney World Resort president Josh D'Amaro said with the parks and hotels closing down, it would donate the excess food to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. "This donation is part of our ongoing Disney Harvest program, which collects and distributes enough food each year to provide one million meals to people in need, and this donation will help to further support the important work Second Harvest is doing in our community during this time," he said. The food will be distributed to shelters and group homes. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • A park ranger with the City of Miami Beach stands...

    Lynne Sladky/AP

    A park ranger with the City of Miami Beach stands by as spring breakers leave the beach, Saturday, March 14, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla. Portions of South Beach were closed late Saturday to avoid large group gatherings that could spread the coronavirus. South Beach is a popular party spot for college students and others from around the world. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

  • Visitors crowd Park Avenue in Winter Park as restaurants and...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Visitors crowd Park Avenue in Winter Park as restaurants and shops opened in the popular district with Phase One restrictions in place in response to the coronavirus crisis, Saturday, May 9, 2020. Current restrictions for restaurants for most of Florida include socially distanced outdoor dining and 25% maximum capacity for indoor dining. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Alyson Tata, left, and her fiancé, Beau Webster, in downtown...

    Rich Pope / Orlando Sentinel

    Alyson Tata, left, and her fiancé, Beau Webster, in downtown Winter Garden on March 31, 2020. The engaged couple had to postpone their March 21 wedding at the Omni Orlando Resort due to the coronavirus epidemic. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)

  • Dozens of handmade signs to thank first responders are pictured...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Dozens of handmade signs to thank first responders are pictured on the lawn of the AdventHealth south campus in Orlando on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. The signs are thanking them for service during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Alessandra Lozzi "attends" a ballet class online in the living...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Alessandra Lozzi "attends" a ballet class online in the living room of her home in Orlando on Thursday, April 16, 2020. As part of the "distance learning" curriculum in Orange schools, the region's major arts groups are serving as teachers to young students.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Dino, the T-rex located at Clayton & Sons salvage yard...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Dino, the T-rex located at Clayton & Sons salvage yard on US-17-92 in Debary, Fla., dons a coronavirus mask and bunny ears, reflecting the historic circumstances of Easter weekend 2020, photographed Thursday, April 9. The 800-pound aluminum statue has his own Facebook page and is a landmark in the town northeast of Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A cyclist donning a face mask pedals across a quiet...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A cyclist donning a face mask pedals across a quiet Orange Avenue at Church Street in downtown Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, April 15, 2020, as Central Floridians continue to respond to the coronavirus crisis. Governor Ron DeSantisÕ issued a statewide Stay-At-Home Executive Order for all Florida residents that went into effect April 3, 2020, currently set to expire on April 30. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Beau Guyott, a hospitality worker from Palm Beach who was...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Beau Guyott, a hospitality worker from Palm Beach who was laid off a month ago, walks on Hillcrest Street in Orlando during his statewide trek, Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Guyott is walking to Tallahassee Ñinterviewing other unemployed Floridians along the wayÑ to share their stories with officials at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Musicians Steven Hodge, left, and Stephen Wolgamott perform during a...

    Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel

    Musicians Steven Hodge, left, and Stephen Wolgamott perform during a drive-in Palm Sunday worship service at the First Baptist Church of Leesburg on Sunday, April 5, 2020. The service was held in the parking lot of the church, where worshippers showed up in their vehicles and listened to the service via FM radio. This allowed for the proper "social distancing" during the Coronavirus epidemic. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Maura Hechavarria and fellow seamstresses with Lacrossewear in Coconut Creek,...

    Susan Stocker / South Florida Sun Sentinel

    Maura Hechavarria and fellow seamstresses with Lacrossewear in Coconut Creek, sew protective masks for the COVID-19 virus. The sportswear apparel company has reconfigured their production line and is now focused on making protective masks. For every mask purchased, they are donating masks to first responders, hospitals, health care workers and grocery store employees.

  • A runner uses a bandana as a mask, passing the...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A runner uses a bandana as a mask, passing the fountain at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, Fla., Monday, April 13, 2020. Exercise is one of the activities exempted from the stay-at-home order for Orange County residents, issued by Orange County mayor Jerry Demings in response to the coronavirus crisis. Other exemptions include buying groceries, supplies and takeout food; visiting a doctor, and taking a pet for a walk. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A parade of first responders line up outside Orlando HealthÕs...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    A parade of first responders line up outside Orlando HealthÕs Orlando Regional Medical Center for a "Salute to Medical Professionals,Ó Wednesday evening, April 15, 2020. OrlandoÕs various police, fire and rescue agencies participated to honor Orlando Health medical workers during the coronavirus crisis response. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • Michelle Lawton, director of dental operations at the Grace Medical...

    Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

    Michelle Lawton, director of dental operations at the Grace Medical Home, hands out meals at The Daily Bread, on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. The Daily Bread, a soup kitchen run by the Christian Service Center, is still serving large numbers of homeless and low-income Central Floridians, despite the coronavirus pandemic. But the operation has switched from a cafeteria to take out to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

  • Shelves remain empty for high demand products Ñtoilet paper, bottled...

    Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel

    Shelves remain empty for high demand products Ñtoilet paper, bottled water and hand sanitizer, at the Publix in Maitland, Fla., Thursday, April 2, 2020, as shoppers stock up on groceries and supplies on the eve of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' statewide coronavirus stay-at-home order, which takes effect at midnight Thursday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

  • A patient drives up to the testing site at UCF's...

    Jason Beede / Orlando Sentinel

    A patient drives up to the testing site at UCF's main campus on Monday.

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Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel staff portrait in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, July 19, 2022. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)
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The state saw seven new reported coronavirus deaths from the Tuesday report from the Florida Department of Health, including the 50th fatality in Polk County that pushes the eight-county region’s death toll to 200.

The statewide toll stands at 2,259 deaths from 52,170 positive COVID-19 cases. The Tuesday tally is in an increase of 424 cases since Monday. Testing since the outbreak began has now risen to 909,928 with 94.4% coming up with negative results.

There have been 58 new hospitalizations since Monday bringing the total this year to 9,482. It’s the third day in a row that new hospitalizations have been less than 100 after six straight days of at least 170 daily including 265 on May 21.

The lone new death in Central Florida was in Polk County, which leads the region with 50 deaths, followed by Orange with 39, Volusia with 37, Osceola with 18, Sumter with 17, Lake with 15, and Seminole and Brevard with 12 each.

Central Florida cases increased Tuesday by 50 for the second day in a row for a total of 5,477. That included 18 new cases in Orange for a total of 1,849; 13 in Polk for 891; seven in Volusia for 680; four in Osceola for 662; four in Seminole for 465; one in Brevard for 399; and two in Lake for 277 and one in Sumter for 254. (See details on all Central Florida cases here).

South Florida, home to 28.9% of Florida’s population, remains the hardest hit region, accounting for 56.3% of cases with 29,396 total. That number includes 240 new cases reported Tuesday among Miami-Dade (17,168), Broward (6,799) and Palm Beach (5,429) counties. The region also has the most deaths at 1,248, 55.2% of state fatalities. The three county-region saw an additional two reported deaths Tuesday, both in Broward.

The state’s deadliest day was May 4 with 59 reported fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Health. In April, the U.S. peaked at nearly 2,300 deaths in one day.

Nationwide cases are over 1.6 million with more than 98,000 reported deaths. Worldwide, there are 5.5 million cases and over 346,000 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center.

The U.S. has the most fatalities by far followed by the United Kingdom’s with more nearly 37,000 deaths, Italy with close to 33,000, France with more than 28,000, Spain with nearly 27,000 and Brazil with more than 23,000 deaths.

In the U.S., New York has the most deaths with more than 29,000 followed by New Jersey with more than 11,000. Florida ranks 11th in fatalities, but with more than 21 million in population and less than 1 in 1,000 deaths in the state, it ranks in the mid-20s for death rate.

Looking week over week, Sunday’s tally in Florida showed the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state went up by 5,279, marking the end of a three-week streak where reported cases were under 5,000.

The run from May 17-24 showed the total grew from 45,588 to 50,867. Meanwhile, Florida’s virus death toll rose from 1,973 to 2,237. Deaths in that span increased by 264, slightly more than the 252 reported over the prior week. The previous five weeks had all seen at least 300 deaths.

Click here for a timeline of how the coronavirus crisis grew in Central Florida.

You can sign up for new daily Florida coronavirus update by subscribing to The Health Report newsletter and as-they-happen Breaking News emails at OrlandoSentinel.com/newsletters.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story cited Florida’s death rate as less than 1 in 100,000. It is less than 1 in 1,000.

Local coronavirus victims: Their lives remembered

Herman Boehm of Mount Dora, who enjoyed a life filled with adventures with his wife, died March 29 after contracting coronavirus. He was 86. Well into his 80s, Boehm enjoyed near-annual trips to Europe with his wife. Earlier in life, they spent a year cruising in the Bahamas on a sailboat. They went scuba diving and skiing. They danced the Argentine Tango.

A fiesty woman who witnessed World War II and 9/11 firsthand, Ada Ficarra’s story is one of survival, said her daughter Liz Starr. Born in the small town of Porto Empedocle, Sicily, Ficarra died April 26 at Sonata West, an assisted living facility in Winter Garden, where she had lived since 2018. She was 79.

Central Florida owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Neil G. Powell for many of the region’s brightest smiles. Powell was not only a dentist but an organizer of the community of dentists. The Orlando resident died April 22 at age 93 of COVID-19-related pneumonia. An Air Force veteran who fought in World War II, Powell grew up in Sanford and served as president of the Florida Society of Dentistry for Children, the Orange County Dental Society, the Central District Dental Society and the Florida Dental Association. He served on the national American Dental Association.

See more Central Florida coronavirus obituaries here.

Symptoms? Do this

Are you feeling stressed or depressed from the COVID19 outbreak? There are resources available for you. You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit https://www.samhsa.gov/disaster-preparedness

How to protect yourself

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick and avoid contact with people in poor health.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Follow these recommendations for using a face mask: The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social-distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Follow these guidelines for using a cloth mask.

Questions? Here are numbers to call

The Florida Department of Health has set up a call center to answer questions about coronavirus. There’s a number for Orange County, too.

The Florida Department of Health’s number is 1-866-779-6121 and is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents may also email questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

In Orange County, the number to call is 407-723-5004; it’s available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For mental-health help, here is a list of resources.

For accurate, up-to-date information, visit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov

The Florida Department of Health: floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19. For questions, call the COVID-19 call center at 866-779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

A live map of COVID-19 cases around the globe: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

You want to be extra-prepared? Here’s how to stock up before a pandemic: ready.gov/pandemic

For the latest coronavirus updates, visit OrlandoSentinel.com/coronavirus and follow @orlandosentinel on Twitter.

See complete coverage at OrlandoSentinel.com/coronavirus.

This article originally appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com.