PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - UPDATED: Health Dept confirms 39 cases of COVID-19; 16 in Broward & 5 in Miami-Dade
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said there is evidence of community spread of the new coronavirus in Broward County, as health officials confirm a fourth death in the state from COVID-19.
The governor confirmed the community spread while he gave an update on new developments alongside health officials at a news conference, Saturday afternoon.
FDOH officials confirmed 25 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday morning, bringing the total number of cases in Florida to 66. Twenty of those cases are located in Broward, and eight are in Miami-Dade.
“Broward County has the most cases in the state of Florida,” he said.
Most of the Broward cases, DeSantis said, are linked to international travel, but there is also evidence of cases linked to domestic travel, mostly from New York state.
“However, we have three unlinked cases in Broward County. Now, that is still being investigated, but in terms of, when you have unlinked cases, that is evidence of community spread,” said DeSantis.
Of those new cases, six are linked to individuals affiliated with Nova Southeastern University who traveled to Ireland prior to travel restrictions to Europe and the United Kingdom.
“All cases of COVID-19 we have in Florida can be tied to another another individual with COVID-19 or an individual who has traveled here from overseas,” said a health officials.
.@HealthyFla has confirmed the death of a previously-announced positive Florida #COVID19 case in Lee County. The individual was 77 years old. This was not a travel-related case. For total case count and more important information, visit https://t.co/e1S8bGG26U.
— Florida Dept. of Health (@HealthyFla) March 14, 2020
Saturday evening, the Florida Department of Health confirmed a 77-year-old patient from Lee County has died. State officials said this was not a travel-related case.
I was just informed by Duval Department of Health we have 2 more positives. I have no more information at this time. We will provide updates when we have more information. This reinforces the need for social distancing, hand washing and the measures I’ve asked folks to take.
— Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) March 15, 2020
Hours later, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry confirmed two more positive cases in Duval County.
COVID-19 Resources:
DeSantis said he has moved the emergency operation center to Level 1. He said the state is working to hire more epidemiologists and additional staff to help out with investigations tracking down how patients are becoming infected.
The announcement included a list of those infected, with most of them being elderly. DeSantis reiterated they are the most at-risk group, so it’s imperative to practice proper hygiene and refrain from going out to large areas.
Health officials also announced that a Florida resident in California has died, bringing the total of out-of-state deaths to three.
Six Florida residents have tested positive out of the state and are currently isolated.
Hospitals are setting up these tents outside emergency rooms so if someone shows up with coronavirus, they won’t have to go into the normal ER and infect others. https://t.co/Lcv1wjusdn
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) March 14, 2020
Because of community spread, hospitals like Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines are setting up tents for patients who may have the virus and can infect others.
“With what’s going on today, they need to ensure the safety and well-being of everybody,” said a woman outside of the hospital.
As of Saturday afternoon, there have been 478 negative test results and 221 are pending.
The Florida Department of Health urged people to follow travel guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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