99% of Florida residents at ‘high’ risk of COVID-19

Ian Hodgson, Tampa Bay Times
·3 min read
61

  • Florida’s COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations remained stable at “high” levels for the third week in a row. The state recorded 10,640 cases each day last week, on average. By Friday, Florida hospitals had 3,457 confirmed COVID-19 patients, up 4% from the week before. Test positivity hit 22.7% in the past week, the highest rate since January.

  • Cases and hospitalizations were high enough to put 99% of residents at “high” risk according to federal data released Thursday. That includes the entire Tampa Bay area. Health officials suggest that residents in “high” level counties wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings, regardless of health. Residents who are symptomatic should get tested immediately.

  • Florida health officials may have blocked an estimated 33,000 disadvantaged children from getting the COVID-19 vaccine, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo told a congressional subcommittee Tuesday. Many disadvantaged children in the state rely on their county health department for primary care, including vaccinations. However, the Florida Department of Health blocked counties from ordering doses of the newly approved vaccine for children aged 4 and under. Ladapo reiterated the state’s guidance that healthy children under 16 are “at little to no risk of severe illness complications from COVID-19. Florida’s view conflicts with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Overall numbers

74,481: Number of cases reported in Florida over the most recent seven-day period from June 25 - July 1.

10,640: Average cases a day during that time period last week, essentially even with the week before.

6,493,975: Total number of cases recorded in Florida.

400: Number of deaths reported in the past week.

75,891: Total pandemic deaths in Florida.

Vaccinations

29,262: Vaccinations (first or second doses) administered in the past week, up 4% compared to the previous week.

80%: Total Florida population that is at least partially vaccinated.

67%: Total Florida population that is fully vaccinated.

78%: Total U.S. population that is at least partially vaccinated.

67%: Total U.S. population that is fully vaccinated.

35,599: Booster doses administered in Florida in the last week, up 74% compared to the prior week.

27%: Total Florida population that is boosted.

31%: Total U.S. population that is boosted.

Positivity rates

22.7%: Florida, compared to 21.6% the previous week.

Hospitalizations

3,457: Florida hospitalizations, a 4% increase compared to the prior week.

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How to get tested

Florida: The Department of Health has a list of test sites.

The nation: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can help you find a testing site.

• • •

How to get vaccinated

The COVID-19 vaccine is being administered at clinics, doctors’ offices, public health offices and retail pharmacies. Here’s how to find a site near you:

Find a site: Visit vaccines.gov to find vaccination sites in your ZIP code.

More help: Call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline.

Phone: 800-232-0233. Help is available in English, Spanish and other languages.

TTY: 888-720-7489

Disability Information and Access Line: Call 888-677-1199 or email DIAL@n4a.org.

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More coronavirus coverage

SYMPTOMS: Think you might have COVID-19? Here’s a guide to symptoms and treatments.

CHILDREN: Babies and toddlers can now get vaccinated. Here are the answers to your questions.

WARNING: How the CDC’s COVID-19 warning system fails Tampa Bay and Florida.

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