The State of COVID-19 in South Florida

By Karen Saltos, A+ Editing & Content Creation

South Florida – Florida recently reported 9,816 new coronavirus cases and 162 resident deaths on a day in January. These deaths included 22 in Palm Beach County, 7 in Broward County, and 5 in Miami-Dade County.

Many testing sites have closed in Broward County in favor of vaccination sites for those 65-years-old and older. Several Broward County Parks have been converted into vaccination sites, including:

· Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek.

· Vista View Park, 4001 SW 142 Ave., Davie.

· Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise.

· Holiday Park, 1150 G. Harold Martin Drive, Fort Lauderdale.

· Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill.

All vaccinations require an appointment. The website system in Broward County has been shut down due to many technical difficulties and appointments can now be made by phone at 866-201-6313.

On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, senior citizens in South Florida were allowed to start signing up to get the COVID-19 vaccine from any of the 67 Publix pharmacies in Palm Beach County. This is the first part of South Florida where the supermarket chain is offering shots. Publix officials said 24,402 appointments were gone in less than two hours. Senior citizens can try to register again in the coming weeks when another 45,598 appointments will be open.

They have not added Publix pharmacies in Broward and Miami-Dade counties yet. Details on the state of COVID-19 in 3 South Florida counties are below:

1.Broward County:

Broward’s average daily COVID-19 positive test rate has hovered at around 8%. Five percent means the pandemic is under control. At least 90,66 people have received the vaccine, but at this time, none of the sites is accepting new appointments. They will start scheduling new appointments again when they receive additional supplies. Students who attend Broward County Public Schools must answer a Self-Assessment and a Home Self-Screening before going to a school building. If they answer yes to any of the questions on the assessment they must stay home that day and complete the district’s online coronavirus notification form.

2.Palm Beach County:

According to pbcgov.org , this county has extended the COVID-19 State of Emergency until at least January 22. Also, everyone two years of age and older must wear a mask in public settings and when they are with people who do not live in their household. Testing for people of all ages is available at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. The drive-through is open Tuesday through

Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and they do testing in order of arrival. The school district recently opened a medical clinic for district employees and their dependents. According to Superintendent Dr. Donald Fennoy, this is another step forward as they support wellness during the coronavirus pandemic.

3.Miami-Dade County Officials in this county have extended the Declaration of a State Local Emergency until January28. Free testing is available at drive-up, walk-in, and mobile sites. Senior citizens and persons over the age of 5 with disabilities who are homebound can request a COVID-19 test to be done at their home by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue staff. Miami-Dade Public Schools recently announced that it is collaborating with the Jackson Health System to deliver COVID-19 vaccines for its employees 65 and older. Those shots will begin this month at Jackson’s three sites. District employees will receive more information on how to register for an appointment.

The Florida Department of Health advises Floridians to follow the three C’s:●Avoid closed spaces● Avoid crowded places● Avoid close-range conversation. ACOVID-19 information center in Florida is open 24/7. The health department’s toll-free number is 866-779-6121 and the email address is COVID-19@flhealth.gov.