DeSantis rules out lockdowns in response to omicron variant
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Welcome to today's edition of the Florida Coronavirus Watch Newsletter. Let's get you up to speed with the latest news of the day from the USA TODAY Network — Florida.
But first, there won't be a "Week in Review" section today. The Florida Department of Health did not release new COVID-19 data due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Here's what's happening around the state
DeSantis rules out more lockdowns: At a Monday afternoon press conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis turned to news that public health officials are assessing the threat from the "omicron" variant of COVID-19. "In Florida, we will not let them lock you down. We will not let them take your jobs. We will not let them harm your businesses. We will not let them close your schools," he said.
Omicron updates: The omicron variant first discovered in South Africa last week is likely to quickly spread around the globe and could result in "severe consequences," the World Health Organization warned Monday.
More on the newest variant: The omicron variant is the 13th variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here’s everything to know about omicron and why Americans should take notice. And here's a look at how to pronounce it, how it got its Greek name and what it means.
Say goodbye to bone-in ribeye steak, king crab legs and chicken wings — at least at some restaurants through next year. A variety of factors, partially from the coronavirus pandemic, are playing into rising food costs: high inflation, labor shortages, supply-chain bottlenecks, consumer demand, climbing gas prices, extreme weather and seasonal fluctuations. TCPalm has the story for subscribers.
The flu is out there, too: Walgreens mapped out 10 cities with the highest rates of flu activity. Tallahassee was ranked No. 2 in the country last week. FAMU is offering The combined test — nicknamed the “ABC Test” — tests for Influenza A, Influenza B and COVID.
And because I'm a word nerd: "Vaccine" is Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year for 2021: "The biggest science story of our time quickly became the biggest debate in our country, and the word at the center of both stories is vaccine."
Latest fact checks
Some good news
How this coffee CEO kept a cup-half-full attitude during COVID: Barby Moro was already juggling new responsibilities and parenthood before the COVID pandemic hit. But Tallahassee's RedEye Coffee CEO found a way to navigate.
Ordained minister screams as Army husband surprises her at a wedding she just officiated: Kami Ernst, an ordained minister, just finished a wedding when her husband, 1st Sgt. James Ernst came home after a year-long deployment to surprise her.
Anything else you want to know? Ask your questions here. And finally, thank you for reading. We appreciate you trusting our statewide journalists to keep you safe and informed. If you are encouraged by our work and want to support your local journalists, please consider subscribing. Know someone who would benefit from this newsletter? Forward this email so they can sign up here.
Megan's note of the day: Cyber Monday? Cyber Weekend? Cyber Week?! Who are you shopping for this year? It's hard to resist these deals, especially when you don't have to leave your own home to brave crowds and shopping malls.
Here's what else is happening with the coronavirus in Florida today.
— Megan Kearney, mkearney@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: DeSantis rules out lockdowns in response to omicron variant
