Florida just added more than 3,822 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, a new single-day record

Once again Florida breaks its previous one day record of single-day coronavirus cases, adding 3,822 on Friday.

In addition, 197 Floridians were hospitalized in the 24-hour period, bringing the hospitalization count to 12,774. A total of at least 43 deaths were added as well, which raises Floria’s death toll to at least 3,197.

With today’s numbers, Florida now has at least 89,748 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Thursday’s report saw Orange County add 374 cases for a total of 4,274. Nearby Hillsborough County added 300 confirmed cases, and Pinellas County added 230.

With today’s numbers, Florida now has at least 89,748 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Friday’s case increase is the largest one-day addition the state has seen, according to the Florida Department of Health, and continues the 17-day streak in which coronavirus infection reports are over 1,000.

Despite the soaring infection rates that Florida is experiencing, Gov. Ron DeSantis has not shifted his vow to not shut down the state. While DeSantis attributes the increase in coronavirus cases to target testing in high-risk areas and rising testing availability, experts also state that number of positive cases per 100,000 tests have also jumped.

Despite DeSantis’ firm stance, local officials have mobilized efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus in the state over the past week. On Thursday, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings made the announcement that everyone living, visiting, or “doing business” in Orange County will be required to wear face masks. beginning Saturday morning.

Scientists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania released a projection model to indicate what may happen to states like Florida if restrictions are not increased. Florida has “all the markings of the next large epicenter of coronavirus transmission,” it read.

This story originally appeared in our sister paper Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
_
Please follow CDC guidelines and Orange County advisories to stay safe, and please support this free publication. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you news on how coronavirus is affecting Central Florida. Please consider making a one-time or monthly donation. Every little bit helps.

This article appears in Jun 17-23, 2020.