Florida COVID cases rise 53% Transmission levels in Tampa Bay are increasing.

• Average daily COVID-19 cases in Florida have increased by 53% over the past week, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s the largest week-on-week increase in the state since the peak of the Omicron wave in January. Hospital admissions increased by over 20% in the same seven-day period from May 14-20. Infections and hospitalizations are still low compared to previous waves, and the majority of Florida hospitals are not reporting staffing issues, federal data says. But the seven-day average of 8,601 cases is the highest since February 14.
• The Tampa Bay area is at a “moderate” level of transmission of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Residents who are at high risk of serious illness in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties should wear a mask in indoor public places, according to the agency’s three-color scheme. Those at high risk are the elderly, the unvaccinated, and those with pre-existing conditions. Anyone showing symptoms should get tested as soon as possible. As Bay Area counties hit “high” transmission rates, all residents should wear masks indoors.
• Reinfections are not uncommon, and new research from South Africa shows how the coronavirus is getting better at evading existing immunity. Vaccinations remain highly effective in preventing an infection from becoming a life-threatening disease, but cannot Prevent omicron infections. Even prior infection with the original omicron variant offers little protection against the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants currently spreading in southern Africa, according to two recent studies. Florida has recorded five cases of BA.5, according to variant tracking organization GISAID.

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Totals

60.204: Number of cases reported in Florida over the past week, May 14-20.

8,601: Average cases per day during this seven-day period, up 53% from the previous week.

6,058,247: Total number of cases recorded in Florida.

151: Number of deaths reported in the past week.

74,329: Total pandemic deaths in Florida.

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vaccinations

42.112: Vaccinations (first or second dose) given in the past week are down 3% 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 US population that is at least partially vaccinated.

67%: Total US population that is fully vaccinated.

31,941: Booster doses administered in Florida in the last week are up 5% compared to the previous week.

27%: Total Florida Population Increased.

31%: Total US population that will be increased.

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positivity rates

16.9%: Florida, down from 13.9% the previous week.

17.3%: citrus

17.3%: manatee

15.9%: hernando

13.6%: Pinella’s

13.1%: Hillsborough

13%: pasco

12.1%: Polk

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hospitalizations

1,671: Hospitalizations in Florida, up 21% from the previous week.

452: Tampa Bay admissions, up 30% from the previous week.

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local cases

16,709: Falls in Tampa Bay.

1,110,450: Previous cases in Tampa Bay.

70: Deaths in Tampa Bay.

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How to get tested

Tampa Bay: That Times can help you locate free, public COVID-19 testing sites in the Bay Area.

Florida: The Department of Health has a website that lists testing sites across the state. Some information may be out of date.

The USA: The Department of Health and Human Services has a website that can help you find a testing site.

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How to get vaccinated

The COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 years and older and booster shots for eligible recipients will be administered at doctor’s offices, clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores and public vaccination centers. Many allow appointments to be booked online. To find a location near you:

Find a site: Visit Vaccines.gov to find vaccination centers in your zip code.

More help: Call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline.

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

TTY: 888-720-7489

Information and access telephone for the disabled: Call 888-677-1199 or email [email protected].

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OMICRON VARIANT: Omicron has changed our knowledge of COVID. Here’s the latest on how the infectious variant of COVID-19 is affecting masks, vaccines, boosters and quarantine.

CHILDREN AND VACCINES: Do you have questions about your child’s vaccination? Here are some answers.

BOOSTER SHOTS: Confused About Which COVID Booster To Get? This guide will help you.

BOOSTER QUESTIONS: Are there any side effects? why do i need it Here are the answers to your questions.

PROTECTING SENIORS: This is how seniors can protect themselves from the virus.

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