โTripledemic:โ COVID, flu, RSV taxing health system as CDC urges taking precautions
A perfect storm of respiratory diseases is increasing cases and hospitalizations across the U.S. and in Florida and could make for a terrible holiday season if more people donโt take precautions, according to the nationโs health experts.
Miami-Dade hospitals ordered to report daily COVID numbers
With the omicron variant looming, the mayor of Miami-Dade County has reinstated an emergency order requiring hospitals to report the numbers of COVID-19 cases treated each day and the availability of hospital beds.
Congressman Soto discusses Jan. 6 insurrection hearing, latest CDC recommendations
It was a busy week in the U.S. capitol; between the Jan. 6th insurrection hearing and the Centers for Disease Control's recommendations that all Americans should wear a mask indoors in public spaces.
Nervous workers struggle to adjust to new mask policies
An abrupt relaxation of mask policies at some retail and grocery stores has left workers reeling as they try to sort out what the new environment means for their own safety and relationship with customers.
Family convinced to get COVID-19 vaccine after new CDC mask guidelines
One day after the CDC announced those who are fully vaccinated donโt have to wear their masks outdoors or indoors, with exceptions, one Central Florida family was convinced to get vaccinated.
As theme parks revise pandemic guidelines, Florida reports 4,623 new COVID-19 cases
Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort announced changes will be underway at its theme parks with renewed guidance from health officials.
Florida reports 6,721 new COVID-19 cases as health officials discuss J&J concerns in emergency meeting
An advisory committee to the Centers for Disease Control met virtually Wednesday afternoon to discuss the next steps for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine amid blood clot concerns.
Florida sees 4,822 new COVID-19 cases as state prepares to open up vaccine eligibility to all adults
Starting Monday, more people in Florida will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as eligibility opens up to those 18 and older.
Justice Dept. to appeal judgeโs order on eviction moratorium
The Justice Department said Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 it will appeal a judges ruling that found the federal governments eviction moratorium was unconstitutional. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)WASHINGTON โ The Justice Department said Saturday it will appeal a judgeโs ruling that found the federal governmentโs eviction moratorium was unconstitutional. โThe CDCโs eviction moratorium, which Congress extended last December, protects many renters who cannot make their monthly payments due to job loss or health care expenses," he said. โBy preventing people from becoming homeless or having to move into more-crowded housing, the moratorium helps to slow the spread of COVID-19.โAdThe CDC eviction moratorium was signed in September by President Donald Trump and extended by President Joe Biden until March 31. โThe federal government cannot say that it has ever before invoked its power over interstate commerce to impose a residential eviction moratorium,โ Barker wrote.
Trump administration asking states to speed vaccine, not hold back second dose
WASHINGTON โ Facing a slower-than-hoped coronavirus vaccine rollout, the Trump administration abruptly shifted gears Tuesday to speed the delivery of shots to more people. โIf you are not using vaccines that you have the right to, then we should be rebalancing to states that are using that vaccine," Azar said at news conference. Azar said some states are being โoverly prescriptive and trying to micromanage every single dose of vaccine,โ leading to bottlenecks. Biden has set a goal of 100 million shots administered in his first 100 days. Local public health officials were surprised by Tuesdayโs announcement and scrambling to figure out how to implement the changes, said Adriane Casalotti of NACCHO, the National Association of County and City Health Officials.
Orlando International Airport expects 90,000 passengers to pass through on Sunday after Thanksgiving
[TRENDING: Gov: Vaccine coming to Florida โrelatively soonโ | CDC: Avoid Thanksgiving travel | Georgia presidential race recount results]Senator Scott released a statement that said in part, โAs we approach Thanksgiving, we know this holiday will be different this year. Orlando International Airport said that it expects about 90,000 passengers to pass through on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Airport officials also add there are still flight restrictions for the European Union and parts of Brazil. โLast year, people would start booking for Thanksgiving well in advance because it would be a heavy travel day. If you do gather with family outside of your household for Thanksgiving, the CDC advises people to eat outdoors, keep social distancing, and wear a mask when not eating.
Hereโs what a contact tracer would most likely ask you if you were exposed to COVID-19
ORLANDO, Fla. โ As coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout Florida, contact tracers are trying to pinpoint where the infections are stemming from and who may have been exposed. A contact tracer could dedicate up to 100 hours on one case, though the average tends to fall between 10-25 hours. Needless to say, if a contact tracer were to contact you these are some of the questions you should be prepared to answer. Hereโs what they likely wonโt askA conversation with a contact tracer is a private talk with the intent to gather information in the interest of public health. You also have the right to not speak to a contact tracer at all or decline to answer any questions.
CDC says schools can minimize risk of COVID-19 when students return
Senior administration officials with the White House held a briefing on Tuesday to discuss the reopening of America's schools. During the phone call, the director of the Centers for Disease Control talked about the importance for students to have the option of in-person learning in the fall. "We do believe there are a variety of different strategies that schools can adopt that really minimize the risk in opening these schools quite safely," Redfield said. Ultimately, the decision for reopening rests in the hands of state and local officials. On Monday, Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran issued an executive order requiring school districts to offer the option for in-person learning in the fall.