Coronavirus in Florida – March 23rd update
Bottom Line: This weekend saw cases in Florida more than double – topping 1,000 by the end of the weekend. New cases were reported across the state but for the first time Spring Breakers returning to college tested positive at the University of Florida, South Florida and Tampa. Florida is now 7th in the country in total cases. We also had four additional deaths attributed to COVID-19 over the weekend. In Governor DeSantis’s most recent update, he indicated he wasn’t mandating an “at home” order for Floridians as a few states, including California and New York have done, but to take the existing advisories and closings seriously.
The range in age for positive tests in our state ranges from 6 to 89. 51% of all of Florida’s cases currently are in the tri-county area with Miami-Dade once again having passed Broward for the most cases.Here’s the outlook in South Florida right now...
- Broward: 217
- Miami-Dade: 227
- Palm Beach: 72
In the early going of testing we’re seeing a really high rate of positive tests in Florida– though the rate dropped significantly over the weekend. To date, 9% of all test results for COVID-19 have come back positive. That’s down from 20% percent last week - which is improved news. Still, it remains much higher than the guidance provided by the Coronavirus Task Force. Nationally and internationally which have ranged from 1%-4%. There are 933 outstanding tests awaiting results, expect these numbers to continue to increase today.