Coronavirus Increase In Phase 2 For Pinellas County: Health Dept.

Skyla Luckey
·3 min read

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Since Pinellas County has entered Phase 2 of reopening, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to increase, as do coronavirus-related deaths.

The latest update by the Florida Department of Health reported that the county has 1,679 positive cases and 99 deaths. Compared to Monday's report, the county had 1,638 cases and 95 more deaths. The total for the state is currently at 66,000 cases and 2,765 deaths.

Mayor Rick Kriseman addressed the continued impact of coronavirus to St. Petersburg in a Facebook Live video on Tuesday afternoon.

"I think you're seeing an increase in the numbers right now — it's a combination of things," said Kriseman. "One, there is more people going to restaurants and bars and other places. It is part of our reopening, we've reopened in Phase 1 and we're now in Phase 2. But the other reason I think you're seeing an increase in the numbers is because we are doing more testing, and we were expecting with more testing, we might see more positive tests. Again, what I'm looking for is the percentages of positive tests."

During the mayor's Facebook Live, the Tampa Bay Times asked if he believes protests have contributed to the positive increase of cases.

"At this point in time, it's too early for us to be able to tell the impact of the protests on the number of positive cases because there hasn't been enough time yet for us to get that data but I do have concerns. And certainly when we've seen the protesters, and what we haven't seen is social distancing and we haven't seen everyone wearing masks."

Kriseman said he's hoping he doesn't see a spike caused from lack of social distancing at protests but at the same time he said he wouldn't be surprised.

The Florida Department of Health said its on website, "With Florida entering Phase 2 of reopening from COVID19, it is as important as ever for residents to continue to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. COVID-19 is still spreading in the community. Wearing cloth face coverings and maintaining social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from other people when in public will slow the spread by preventing those who are infected but not experiencing symptoms from transmitting the virus to others."

Imagine Museum employee displays masks they handed out for free on June 9. They are currently out of free masks but do have a new supply coming in, said the city. (Photo by Skyla Luckey | Patch)
Imagine Museum employee displays masks they handed out for free on June 9. They are currently out of free masks but do have a new supply coming in, said the city. (Photo by Skyla Luckey | Patch)

As of June 9, St. Pete has various distribution of free masks locations that have been donated while supplies last such as:

  • Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd St. N

  • Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S

  • Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave. (currently out of stock but new donation of masks will be available, said the city)

  • PSTA Stations (Grand Central Station and Williams Park)

  • University of South Florida St. Petersburg, 200 6th Ave. S

  • Fossil Park Fire Station, (when Fire personnel are present), 875 64th Ave. N

  • People Empowering & Restoring Communities, 1601 16th St. S

This article originally appeared on the St. Pete Patch