Allegiant Air now requires passengers to wear face masks during entire flight
ORLANDO, Fla. Allegiant Air is now requiring passengers to wear a face mask during the majority of their trip. As of Thursday, the airline is mandating travelers to keep their face covered during all phases of travel, including at ticket counters, in the gate area, during boarding and throughout the flight. Officials with Allegiant say travelers can either use their own mask or wear the one provided to all passengers inside their complimentary kits. Children under the age of 2 are exempt, as are passengers with certain medical conditions. Travelers who refuse to follow the new mask policy will not be allowed to fly with Allegiant.
Florida reports record-breaking 10,109 new cases of COVID-19
On Thursday, the Florida Department of Health reported a record-breaking 10,109 new cases of COVID-19 since the same time the day before, as well as 67 new Florida-resident deaths, 1 new non-resident death, and 325 new hospitalizations. The state reported a total of 3,617 resident deaths and 101 non-resident deaths Thursday, for a cumulative total of 3,718 deaths. The new method of reporting COVID-19 related deaths across the state comes as Sen. Linda Stewart tweeted Wednesday that the state may take a new approach to reporting hospitalizations as well. The city of New Smyrna Beach approved a face mask mandate Wednesday, following Daytona Beachs lead. While both cities approved the mandate, Volusia as a whole has not approved required face mask use county-wide.