WUSF will be providing the latest news and information on coronavirus in Tampa Bay and across the state. Here are the latest developments:
Here are the latest figures as of 11 a.m. Friday, June 5, according to the Florida Department of Health:
61,488 — Positive Tests | 2,660— Deaths
CORONAVIRUS: Complete Coverage From WUSF And Health News Florida
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Tampa Bay Records Highest Weekly Jump
The Tampa Bay area is reporting the highest number of new coronavirus infections for a week-long period, with 1,099 positive tests.
That's 242 more than the previous high, recorded the week ending April 3.
Those numbers include Friday’s daily update from the Florida Department of Health -- 228 new infections in the Tampa Bay region. It’s the highest amount of new single day infections for the area.
The agency said 81 of the new cases recorded by the state were in Pinellas County. That’s the highest daily increase of new cases in Pinellas. [Read more]
-- Lisa Peakes
Her First Time Back At Universal Orlando Resort
The Universal Orlando theme parks reopen to the public today after being closed for more than two months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
WUSF's Stephanie Colombini visited the park earlier this week during a preview for annual passholders.
Read about her experience and get a glimpse inside the parks. [Read more]
-- Stephanie Colombini
Colleges Canceling In-Person Summer Commencements
Florida public universities had to make alternate plans for spring graduation exercises because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Now they're doing the same for the summer session.
Some schools held virtual commencements, others offered students the chance to march in ceremonies later this year, and some, like the University of South Florida, gave them the opportunity to take part in both.
With the latest set of reopening guidelines issued by Governor Ron DeSantis, the State University System of Florida told the twelve public universities to begin developing alternate plans for the summer as well. [Read more]
-- Mark Schreiner
No Mandatory Use Of Masks In Hillsborough County
People do not have a right to wear a mask to ward off the coronavirus if a business owner says they can't. That's the decision of the Hillsborough Emergency Policy Group, after their members voted 5 to 3 Thursday to defeat a motion by County Commissioner Kimberly Overman to give people the right to wear a mask any time they want.
Overman said she was trying to protect people who face restrictions at work about wearing masks.
"The employees should not fear being terminated for taking responsible steps to ensure their well-being and those around them," she said. [Read more]
-- Steve Newborn
Hillsborough Opens Summer Camps
Hillsborough County agreed to offer summer camps at recreation centers, and has reopened athletic fields and sports complexes.
Summer camps begin Monday.
-- Steve Newborn
Phase 2 Begins Today
Bars, tattoo shops and movie theaters can partially reopen today in most of the state, as Gov. Ron DeSantis moves into the second phase of his plan to revive the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
DeSantis, who has promoted a three-phase reopening plan, said the state would “inch” into the second phase “in a way that's very, very measured.”
Here's what will be reopening today.
-- News Service of Florida
NBA Approves 22-Team Season Restart In Orlando
The NBA’s Board of Governors has approved a 22-team format for restarting the league season in late July at the Disney campus near Orlando.
The notion passed “overwhelmingly," said a person familiar with the situation.
The person spoke to The Associated Press Thursday on condition of anonymity because the vote results had not been released publicly.
The format calls for each team playing eight games to determine playoff seeding plus the possible utilization of a play-in tournament for the final spot in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference postseason fields.
-- Associated Press
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