The deaths of 15 people from complications from the coronavirus were recorded Monday in the greater Tampa Bay region, including 11 people in Pinellas County.
Statewide, 72 people have died since Sunday, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The positivity rate for new cases was 7.58% percent, which is the highest rate in the state since the beginning of February. Health officials say a rate of under 5 percent is desirable.
Sunday's rate came on 56,848 tests returned, about 45,000 fewer than the two-week daily average.
Statewide, 3,374 people tested positive Monday, with 678 of those living in the greater Tampa Bay region. The statewide total for cases since last March now stands at 2,047,379.
Nearly 700 people were hospitalized Monday with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 in the region. Statewide, 2,926 were hospitalized.
State Totals (as of Monday, March 29)
- Positive Tests – 2,047,379
- Deaths – 33,891
Daily Changes:
- State: Positive Tests – 3,374 | Deaths – 72
- Greater Tampa Bay region: Positive Tests – 678 | Deaths – 15
Daily Testing (statewide):
- Tests Received – 56,848 | Positivity Rate – 7.58%
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story listed the incorrect number of new coronavirus cases recorded Monday.
ABOUT THE DATA: The Florida Department of Health produces a daily update around 11 a.m. with information about COVID-19 cases and deaths that were reported over the previous 24 hours. Cases and deaths in the report may have happened days or weeks earlier, according to state officials. The state separately tracks cases and deaths that occurred on specific days on its dashboard and those totals are frequently updated.
Florida COVID-19 daily total of positive tests/deaths for the last two weeks:
- March 29: 3,374/72
- March 28: 4,943/36
- March 27: 5,883/27
- March 26: 5,750/167
- March 25: 5,773/109
- March 24: 5,143/31
- March 23: 5,302/41
- March 22: 2,862/39
- March 21: 3,987/32
- March 20: 5,105/64
- March 19: 5,140/54
- March 18: 5,093/99
- March 17: 4,599/59
- March 16: 4,791/102
