We’re in a bit of an odd space as it pertains to COVID-19. The thing is, what we want to happen and what actually occurs are often two different things. Yesterday the CDC voiced concerns that people are generally starting to ignore the threat of the virus. The most visible example of course has come in the form of protests. Their concerns aren’t unfounded. Yesterday produced the most newly diagnosed cases of any day since the pandemic began worldwide, with nearly 130,000. Much of it continued to be driven by issues with Brazil and Russia, there are now 6,714,335 cases, 393,408 deaths, and 3,261,276 recoveries. Though with over 22,000 new cases in the US, we saw an increase over recent days as well.
With over 110,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19, it is the deadliest virus in the United States since the 1918 pandemic which killed an estimated 500,000 people. Nationally, we now have 1,924,189 cases, 110,179 deaths, and 712,252 recoveries.
Florida had its second-highest day for newly diagnosed cases, we now have 60,183 cases and 2,610 deaths. On Thursday, we added 1,419 new cases, which was our highest daily count. Two days isn’t a trend but as Florida enters phase two reopening today, we do so with less than ideal news and the highest two-day count for new cases we’ve had since the pandemic began. It is important that we remain smart and safe.
Despite the most recent news Florida continues to outperform the country as a whole, Florida is 8th in total cases nationally while we remain 11th in deaths. However, we do have hot spots in all three South Florida counties right now. The overall positive test rate in Florida remained at its low of 5.4%, less than half of the peak rate of 11%. As a reminder, the newest diagnosed cases are new cases obtained through community spread. This reinforces the importance of adhering to the warnings of public officials including social distancing and wearing masks in public.
Photo by: Getty Images North America