Florida health officials report a 7K increase in COVID-19 cases

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Florida increased by 7,391, health officials said Sunday.

New cases reported on Sunday raised the state figure to 1,271,979 since the outbreak began earlier this year.

The Florida Department of Health has now reported 21,514 coronavirus-related deaths, with an additional 77 deaths added to the death toll Sunday. Five of the deaths reported Sunday were in northeast Florida: two in St. Louis County. Johns, two in Alachua County and one in Duval County.

The number of people analyzed to detect COVID-19 was considerably lower over the past two days and it remains to be seen whether or not meetings over the Christmas weekend will increase the number of infections in the state, as was the case. case after the thanksgiving holiday.

More than 171,000 people underwent virus testing on Friday and Saturday, significantly less than the 343,000 that were done the previous two days.

The statewide positivity rate was 8.01% based on Friday’s tests and 9.69% based on Saturday’s tests, the State Department of Health said Sunday.

More than 6,300 people were in the hospital Sunday because of the virus, according to data from the health department.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, respiratory problems, sore throat, muscle aches, and loss of taste or smell. Most people have only mild symptoms. But some people, usually those with other medical complications, have more severe symptoms, including pneumonia.