COVID-19 cases rise in Florida as BA.5 becomes the region’s dominant strain

Ian Hodgson, Tampa Bay Times
·3 min read
2

COVID-19 cases in Florida are climbing once again. The state recorded more than 11,000 cases per day in the 7 days from July 8-14, a 15% increase from the week before. Hospitalizations climbed 9%, with more than 4,000 confirmed cases in Florida hospitals as of Friday.

The rise in cases may be due to the BA.5 variant of Omicron, which now accounts for nearly two-thirds of cases in the southeast, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to a recent White House briefing, the variant appears to have an increased ability to evade immunity, either from vaccination or prior infection.

Federal health officials reported Thursday that nearly 97% of Florida residents live in counties at “high” risk of COVID-19. That includes the entire Tampa Bay area and most of South Florida. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that all residents in “high” level counties wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor spaces. Symptomatic residents should get tested immediately.

Overall numbers

78,245: Number of cases reported in Florida over the most recent seven-day period from July 8-14.

11,178: Average cases a day during that time period last week, up 15% from the prior week.

6,640,045: Total number of cases recorded in Florida.

469: Number of deaths reported in the past week.

76,662: Total pandemic deaths in Florida.

Vaccinations

32,751: Vaccinations (first or second doses) administered in the past week, up 1% compared to the previous week.

80%: Total Florida population that is at least partially vaccinated.

67%: Total Florida population that is fully vaccinated.

78%: Total U.S. population that is at least partially vaccinated.

67%: Total U.S. population that is fully vaccinated.

18,022: Booster doses administered in Florida in the last week, essentially the same as the week before.

27%: Total Florida population that is boosted.

31%: Total U.S. population that is boosted.

Positivity rates

24.2%: Florida, compared to 22.5% the previous week.

Hospitalizations

4,046: Florida hospitalizations, a 9% increase compared to the prior week.

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How to get tested

Florida: The Department of Health has a list of test sites.

The nation: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can help you find a testing site.

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How to get vaccinated

The COVID-19 vaccine is being administered at clinics, doctors’ offices, public health offices and retail pharmacies. Here’s how to find a site near you:

Find a site: Visit vaccines.gov to find vaccination sites in your ZIP code.

More help: Call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline.

Phone: 800-232-0233. Help is available in English, Spanish and other languages.

TTY: 888-720-7489

Disability Information and Access Line: Call 888-677-1199 or email DIAL@n4a.org.

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More coronavirus coverage

SYMPTOMS: Think you might have COVID-19? Here’s a guide to symptoms and treatments.

CHILDREN: Babies and toddlers can now get vaccinated. Here are the answers to your questions.

WARNING: How the CDC’s COVID-19 warning system fails Tampa Bay and Florida.

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