WUSF will be providing the latest news and information on coronavirus in Tampa Bay and across the state. Here are the latest developments:
The total number of coronavirus cases in Florida surpassed 40,000 on Saturday, health officials said. Here are the latest figures as of 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, according to the Florida Department of Health:
38,926 – Florida Residents | 1,075 – Non-Florida Residents | 1,715 – Deaths
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Florida Now Has 40,000 Cases
Florida has recorded more than 40,000 cases of coronavirus statewide since the outbreak began, according to figures released Saturday by the Florida Department of Health.
A total of 1,715 people have died in Florida of COVID-19.
The overall case count is now 40,001, of which 38,926 are described as Florida residents. That's an increase of 826 since Friday.
The state reported 46 more deaths over a 24-hour period, with seven in the Tampa Bay area – three in Sarasota County and two apiece in Polk and Manatee. [Read more]
-- Kerry Sheridan
Florida Roundup: State's Leaders Remain Confident
After facing weeks of criticism, Florida’s leaders feel vindicated in their response to coronavirus. Even though death totals are rising in the state, it appears Florida dodged the worst of the pandemic by some metrics.
On the Florida Roundup, host Melissa Ross was joined by Dr. Shamarial Roberson, Florida’s Deputy Secretary of Health, to talk about the state’s testing and contact tracing as it reopens. They also discussed concerns about a possible second wave of the virus. [Listen to the episode]
-- Denise Royal, WLRN
Florida Reports 650 Coronavirus Deaths At Nursing Homes
Florida is reporting that more than 650 patients have died from the coronavirus at the state's nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The state Department of Health released figures late Friday showing that 656 patients and eight employees have died at Florida facilities. That's almost 40% of the state's 1,669 confirmed deaths from COVID-19.
One facility near St. Petersburg has had 23 deaths with 13 others in Florida reporting at least 10.
People over 65 and those with underlying health conditions are particularly endangered by the disease, making nursing homes especially vulnerable to outbreaks.
The state now has more than 40,000 confirmed cases of the disease.
-- Associated Press
UFC Fighter Tests Positive Before Jacksonville Card
One of the fighters scheduled to take part in tonight’s UFC mixed martial arts event in Jacksonville has tested positive for the COVID-19.
UFC says Jacaré Souza’s middleweight bout against Uriah Hall has been called off after Souza tested positive, along with his two cornermen.
UFC says all three men have left the host hotel and will be self-isolating off premises, where UFC’s medical team will monitor their conditions remotely.
The UFC is returning after an involuntary eight-week break that upended plans by UFC President Dana White to keep fighting amid the coronavirus outbreak.
-- Associated Press
USF To Hold Virtual Commencement
The University of South Florida is holding perhaps the most unusual commencement in the school’s more than 60-year history this weekend.
At the same time, there will be gestures of support for the class of 2020 around the Tampa Bay area.
If all goes as planned, at 10 a.m. Saturday, virtual commencement ceremonies for the three USF campuses will get underway on the university website simultaneously. [Read more]
-- Mark Schreiner
DeSantis To Allow Barbershops, Salons To Reopen Monday
Coronavirus hair can soon be professionally snipped.
Gov. Ron DeSantis posted a video Friday featuring Orlando barbershop owner John Henry, who announced that starting Monday, barbershops, hair salons and nail salons will be allowed to reopen in most of the state after being shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. [Read more]
-- News Service of Florida
DeSantis Defends Approach To Elder Care Facilities
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday announced that some coronavirus-infected residents would be pulled from their long-term care facilities and transferred to a skilled nursing center in Jacksonville.
The governor said he is taking the action to better isolate and care for infected patients and to contain the spread the disease.
During a Friday news conference, the governor again defended the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, particularly at elder care facilities.
The DeSantis administration has come under fire over its reluctance to release data that could show the spread of the coronavirus in the state's long-term care facilities. It released the data only after news organizations filed public records requests.
-- Associated Press
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