Florida Adds Another 17,506 COVID-19 Cases

Tallahassee, FL – Florida reported 17,506 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, according to data posted by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. The data showed that, in total, 45,909 Florida residents have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began last year. The state Department of Health’s weekly COVID-19 report published Friday indicated that 433 Florida residents died of COVID-19 between Aug. 27 and Sept. 2. However, the overall number of COVID-19-related deaths increased by 2,345 from a state health department report issued on Aug. 27. Hospitals reported Friday that 29.7 percent of the patients hospitalized in Florida have COVID-19, a drop from 34 percent of patients reported last week, according to data posted on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. Fifty-one hospitals reported having a critical staffing shortage on Friday, and 53 hospitals said they expected a critical shortage by the end of the week. Hospitals also reported that 14,577 beds are being used by patients with COVID-19. The CDC website also showed that 107 children with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 were admitted into Florida hospitals Thursday and Friday. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to wear a face mask, wash your hands, and get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you’re looking to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, be sure to visit the state health department’s vaccine locator to find an opportunity closest to you.