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There were 13,022 new COVID-19 cases reported on Monday. That’s an improvement of nearly 1,700 cases over the prior Monday. Florida’s peak weekly trend for new cases occurred on August 17th. COVID-19 hospitalizations continued to decline on Monday as well. Florida ended the day with 15,488 hospitalizations.
In other news, Florida Poison Control has treated 27 Floridians for the use of the parasite fighting drug Ivermectin as social media claims of the drug being an effective COVID-19 treatment made the rounds. In addition to there being no authorization for the use of the drug for that purpose, there’s no evidence of any efficacy for that purpose. The manufacture of the drug, Merck stated as much, as has the FDA. Additionally, a run on the drug has resulted in a shortage for Florida’s Agricultural industry as it’s used as a dewormer for livestock.
Lastly, on Monday, Florida Department of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran confirmed the state withheld monthly funding equal to the monthly salaries of school board members in Alachua and Broward counties as a result of those districts being the first to violate the Board of Education’s rule mandating parental choice. In defiance of Leon County Circuit Court Judge John Cooper’s ruling on Friday, Corcoran said, "We’re going to fight to protect parents' rights to make health care decisions for their children". This also signals likely similar action will be taken in other districts including Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County. Governor DeSantis confirmed the decision was being appealed and expressed confidence the state would win on appeal.