COVID-19 Tampa Bay

While Hillsborough saw a spike in its death toll, several other counties in the greater Tampa Bay region didn't report any deaths. The state reported its lowest number of new positive tests since late December.

The average number of daily coronavirus cases in Florida is up 45% compared to a week ago, according to an analysis by NPR.

There were 7,391 new positive cases across the state, but with the highest positivity rate in nearly two weeks.

The state did not provide data on Christmas Day.

The Tampa Bay region marked its second highest number of cases in a single week, nearing the peak for weekly cases that came in mid-July.

Sunday's total ended a three-day stretch of more than 10,000 daily cases.

It's the third consecutive day the state topped 10,000 daily coronavirus cases.

Florida continues its surge of new COVID-19 cases, as well over 1 million people have tested positive for the virus.

Masks and increased social distancing are key measures over the next several months. Any ease-up, and hospitals will be overwhelmed.

There are nearly 1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Florida as of Monday, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The state reported the deaths of 99 people Wednesday, the highest number of deaths in a single day since October 21. Twenty-nine deaths were recorded in the greater Tampa Bay region.

Amid reports of widespread outbreaks on cruises earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers avoid cruise ships around the world, given the “very high” risk of becoming infected or spreading coronavirus.