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 Wednesday, July 8, according to the Florida Department of Health:
232,718 — Positive Tests | 4,009 — Deaths
CORONAVIRUS: Complete Coverage From WUSF And Health News Florida
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Florida Records Deadliest Day With 120, And 42 In Greater Tampa Bay Region
Thursday was the deadliest day yet for Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Florida Department of Health's Thursday report showed 120 coronavirus-related deaths in 24 hours, bringing the statewide total to 4,009. The previous daily high was 83 deaths, recorded April 28.
In the greater Tampa Bay region, there were 42 deaths; almost double the previous record of 23 deaths in a 24-hour period, which were recorded June 30.
Health officials provided details on age, gender and location for 40 of the deaths, including that of a 32-year-old Pinellas County man whose initial postive test for COVID-19 was entered into the system by the state on April 3. [Read more]
-- Lisa Peakes
Tampa Has Tenth Largest Increase In Unpaid Mortgages Nationally
The coronavirus pandemic continues to have an effect on homeownership.
At the end of May, over 4.1 million homeowners in the United States were late on their mortgage payments. The Tampa Bay Business Journal reports it's the highest number since 2011.
And the problem continues to grow in Florida - the percentage of homeowners in Tampa who did not pay their home loans in May grew by 5.3 percent, the tenth largest increase in the country. [Read more]
-- Lisa Peakes
City Of Tampa Hosting Mask Contest: Here's How To Enter
The City of Tampa is holding a mask fashion contest to encourage residents to embrace local mask mandates.
Many cities and counties around Florida now require masks to be worn inside businesses to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Some school districts will also require masks in the fall.
Tampa residents have until July 12 at 11:59 p.m. to submit entries for the city's face covering competition. The masks can be made or decorated at home, or purchased.
Prizes include $50-$100 gift cards from local restaurants. [Read more]
-- Daylina Miller
MLS Returns To Action After Poignant Moment Of Silence
Nearly 200 players took the field in Orlando for an 8-minute, 46-second moment of silence to protest racial injustice before Major League Soccer’s return to action Wednesday night.
Players wore black T-shirts, black gloves and black facemasks emblazoned with Black Lives Matter.
The players walked toward midfield, raised their right arms one at a time and held the pose so long that some could be seen stretching fatigued muscles afterward.
It was a poignant moment that put two of the nation’s most prominent changes over the last four months -- masks and movements -at the forefront of the sport’s return.
-- Associated Press
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