WUSF will be providing the latest news and information on coronavirus in Tampa Bay and across the state. Here are the latest developments:
Total positive cases of coronavirus as of 11 a.m. Monday, April 27, according to the Florida Department of Health:
31,290 – Florida Residents | 848 – Non-Florida Residents | 1,088 – Deaths
CORONAVIRUS: Complete Coverage From WUSF And Health News Florida
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Florida Cases Pass 31,000; Bay Area Posts No Deaths Sunday For Second Straight Day
The number of COVID-19 infections in Florida passed 31,000 Sunday. However, the number of deaths in the Tampa Bay area remained unchanged for the second straight day.
The Florida Department of Health switched to reporting figures once a day over the weekend.
-- Mark Schreiner
Hillsborough Hotline Aims To Help Those Out Of Work
Hillsborough County opened up a new hotline on Monday for people who have lost their job or have reduced wages because of coronavirus, and need help paying for their housing and utilities.
The number for the Rapid Response Assistance Call Center is (813) 274-3710. It is open to callers from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Department of Social Services Director Audrey Ziegler said they set up the new call center after experiencing about twice the usual number of calls for help this month, as many businesses closed. [Read more]
-- Kerry Sheridan
Task Force Taking Public Comments Online
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Re-Open Florida Task Force has launched a public comment submission portal open to all Floridians.
Floridians may submit feedback on any topic related to the re-opening of Florida’s economy, including the impacts to small business, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, retail, recreation and sports and construction.
Click here to access the online Task Force to Re-Open Florida Public Comment Submission form
-- WJCT
Health Official Predicts Non-Covid Illness
With the fear of coronavirus uppermost in many people’s minds, Orlando Health vice president of quality control, Dr. George Ralls, said he fears a surge of a different kind. While the hospital has continued to treat trauma cases and stroke, not everyone with an emergency has been heading to the ER.
He said there are many cases that have been coming into his emergency rooms that were much worse than they would have been had people come in earlier.
“We've had patients who ignored chest pain for days and came into cardiac arrest, we've had patients who ignored seizures and came in with much more serious situations,” Ralls said. [Read more]
-- Susan Giles Wantuck
