Publisher
ClickOrlando.com
Location
Orlando, Florida
Last reviewed
1/27/2021 4:43 p.m. EST
Overview
The Florida Department of Health reported 8,281 new cases on Wednesday bringing the state’s overall total to 1,676,171 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began in March.
Deaths
Florida reported 169 new virus-related deaths Wednesday, raising the death toll to 26,249. This number includes the 416 non-residents who died in Florida.
Vaccines
As of Wednesday, 1,494,003 people have been vaccinated in Florida. The FDOH also reports that 203,846 people have received their second shot.
Social distancing
Orange County’s health officer says even after getting the second vaccine shot people still need to continue social distancing.
Mask mandates
President Biden’s new mask order for travel applies to airports and planes, ships, intercity buses, trains and public transportation.
Health care status
As of Wednesday evening, there were currently 6,679 people with the virus hospitalized in Florida, according to the state Agency for Health Care Administration.
Schools
New CDC research suggests COVID-19 doesn’t spread as widely in schools that are following safety guidelines on masks, social distancing and student gatherings.
Theme parks
Disney announced the Blizzard Beach water park will re-open in March for the first time since the pandemic but safety restrictions will remain.
Businesses & facilities
The Orange County coronavirus testing site at Barnett Park will remain open until at least Feb. 28 after a funding extension.
Public transport
SunRail and Lynx remain operational as workers are thoroughly cleaning trains and buses during the pandemic. Service of the I-RIDE Trolley, which operates in Orlando’s tourist district, has been suspended indefinitely. Lynx announced that it has resumed charging riders fares.
How to help
If you’d like to help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic, here’s a list of groups to which you can donate.