Florida’s COVID-19 cases ebb as hospitalizations keep climbing

Ian Hodgson, Tampa Bay Times
·3 min read

  • COVID-19 infections slowed last week in Florida, but hospitalizations still are ticking up. The state reported 9,687 cases per day, on average, during the period from July 2-8. That’s down 10% from the week before and is the first sign in three weeks that cases may have peaked. Hospitalizations typically lag cases by two to three weeks, and the number of Floridians in the hospital for COVID-19 kept climbing last week. As of Friday, Florida hospitals had 3,797 confirmed COVID-19 patients.

  • Despite the drop in cases, 95% of Florida residents still are at “high” risk of COVID-19, according to federal guidelines. 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. Residents who are symptomatic should get tested immediately.

Overall numbers

67,807: Number of cases reported in Florida over the most recent seven-day period from July 2-8.

9,687: Average cases a day during that time period last week, down 9% from the prior week.

6,561,833: Total number of cases recorded in Florida.

302: Number of deaths reported in the past week.

76,193: Total pandemic deaths in Florida.

Vaccinations

29,951: Vaccinations (first or second doses) administered in the past week, up 2% 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.

17,856: Booster doses administered in Florida in the last week, down 69% compared to the prior week’s unusually high number.

27%: Total Florida population that is boosted.

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

Positivity rates

22.5%: Florida, compared to 22.7% the previous week.

24.8%: Hernando

24.5%: Manatee

23%: Polk

22.2%: Pinellas

22.1%: Citrus

21.7%: Pasco

20.3%: Hillsborough

Hospitalizations

3,797: Florida hospitalizations, a 10% increase compared to the prior week.

1,193: Tampa Bay admissions.

Local cases

14,706: Cases in Tampa Bay.

1,192,434: Total cases in Tampa Bay to date.

92: Deaths in Tampa Bay.

15,970: Total deaths in Tampa Bay.

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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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