SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - With cases of the omicron variant rising ahead of the holidays, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is issuing an advisory to keep South Floridians safe.
U.S. Health advisors are also recommending Americans to get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, rather than the Johnson & Johnson citing, what they call, a rare but serious side effect.
This had long lines formed at Tropical Park, a testing and vaccination location.
“I’m really surprised there’s so many people,” said one man in line.
On Thursday, Levine Cava spoke at Tropical Park in Southwest Miami-Dade about her latest recommendations in the fight against COVID-19. “It is an unfortunate reminder to all of us that the pandemic is not over,” she said.
She said the county has achieved the highest vaccination rate in the state. The rate is also above the national average.
Levine Cava went on to announce the precautions she implemented to track the latest of the omicron variant.
“I am very pleased to be able to announce to you that we have signed the emergency order requiring hospitals once again to resume daily COVID reporting,” said Cava. “As cases continue to spread nationwide and worldwide and the peak of the holiday season approaching, it’s as critical as ever that we all follow the key steps that we know will help prevent the spread of the disease.”
The daily reporting requirement will go into effect on Friday.
“That’s so we can monitor the caseload in the hospitals,” she said. “We cannot allow our hospitals to be overwhelmed with cases. To stay ahead of the data, we are also sequencing for COVID variants at our county testing sites. As well, we’re sampling wastewater to look for incidents.”
7Skyforce was over Tropical Park Thursday as long lines returned to its testing and vaccine location.
“Rapidly, omicron is replacing delta. At this moment, over 80 percent of samples are testing for the omicron variant,” said Dr. David Andrews with the Jackson Health System.
The mayor also encouraged residents to take holiday gatherings outside this year, get tested for COVID and get vaccinated.
Shortly after the media conference, Levine Cava tweeted, “Miami-Dade now has a seven-day average positivity of 7%. This sharp rise calls on all of us to do our part to keep one another safe.”
The mayor also said the county will continue to offer free testing and vaccinations, as well as taking the vaccines directly to home-bound residents and residents who live in underserved communities by using mobile vaccination trucks.
“That’s why we’re laying the groundwork to be able to offer the Pfizer anti-viral pill at our sites as soon as it’s officially approved,” she said.
Levine Cava said this is all important to keep Floridians safe.
“Altogether, these measures that we are taking will help us to tackle the latest increase in cases head on and ensure that Miami-Dade continues to lead the way in preparation and protection,” she said.
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