This is a recap of some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
The current weekly average of COVID-19 cases continued to rise through the weekend, with the average daily new case count averaging just under 16,000 new cases daily. Every zip code in South Florida is continuing to see an increase in cases and the highest infection rate during the pandemic to date.
In related news, new CDC data has shown the new COVID variant is responsible for much of the rapid growth in cases across our state. Nearly half of all ID’d new cases of the variant inside of the United States are currently occurring in Florida.
And, Governor DeSantis has updated the vaccination schedule and plans for Florida. He said the state is now vaccinating up to 60,000 people per day and is looking to expand capacity. He announced 50 houses of worship, in predominantly minority communities have been identified for vaccine distribution. That plan includes new locations in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood in South Florida. The state has immunized approximately 520,000 Floridians with the first dose of a COVID-19 based on the latest reporting from the Florida Department of Health. The state estimates 3 million Floridians eligible for vaccination under Phase 1, want the vaccination.
Lastly, nearly 40,000 people have received first dose vaccinations in Broward, 54,000 in Miami-Dade, and 37,000 in Palm Beach County. Also, 38,409 Floridians have also received 2nd does vaccinations, completing the process.
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