Eviction Moratorium

On Saturday, Florida reported the highest single-day number of new COVID-19 infections since the start of the pandemic. On Sunday, Florida had the highest single-day number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the pandemic.Governor Ron DeSantis, Friday announced plans for a new executive order barring schools from requiring mask-wearing.Sarasota Memorial Hospital is no long allowing visitors and NCH announced Friday it will require all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 16.Manatee County officials announced another confirmed COVID-19 death among county staff. An outbreak in June forced the closure of the Manatee County Administration building.A nationwide moratorium on evictions that was put in place amid the pandemic expired Sunday, July 31, and the AP reports, Florida received $870 million in federal funds to help renters who've struggled to keep up with rent payments, but has only distributed 2% of that money.

At the signing of a bill banning COVID-19 passports, Monday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a surprise executive order suspending all local emergency orders related to the pandemic.In opposition to CDC guidance, last week Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees issued an advisory saying that Floridians who have been fully inoculated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks in public.State health officials report 3,075 new COVID-19 cases and 39 Deaths on Monday. More than 8.9 million people in Florida have been vaccinated including more than 2.5 million who have received a first dose, and more than 6.3 million people who have been fully vaccinated.Sarasota County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program aimed at helping those facing financial hardship from the pandemic and struggling to pay rent will begin taking applications May 5.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday morning that starting Monday, March 29, vaccine eligibility will expand to people 40 and older and that the following Monday, April 5, vaccine eligibility will extend to anyone 18 and older. As of Wednesday morning, more than 5.2 million people in Florida have been vaccinated including more than 2.3 million people who have received a first dose, and more than 2.8 million who have completed the series.The CDC’s current moratorium on evictions is set to expire March 31, but experts say it will likely be extended.Florida House members are considering a wide-ranging bill aimed at helping Florida prepare for the next public health crisis. State lawmakers are also considering a measure that would make permanent Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order expanding the allowed use of telehealth services.

State Health officials reported 5,730 new COVID-19 cases, Monday and 206 new deaths. In addition to legislation protecting businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits, state lawmakers are also considering similar liability protections for healthcare facilities and nursing homes. Lawmakers are also considering bills aimed at helping residents at risk of eviction amid the pandemic as well as a post-eviction protection bill. The Marco Island Police Chief and the Marco Island Fire-Rescue Chief are on administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations of "access and use" of the city's Eventbrite COVID-19 vaccine appointment registration system.

State health officials reported 6,331 COVID-19 cases, Wednesday, for a total of 944,745 cases. The Florida Department of Health also reported 94 new coronavirus-related deaths, Nov. 23, increasing the statewide death toll to 18,310 fatalities.Over the past seven days, the single-day average number of new infections reported has increased to 7,529 cases. The average number of daily deaths reported over the past week has increased to nearly 72 fatalities a day.

State health officials reported 1,844 new COVID-19 cases, Sunday, bringing Florida's total to 716,459 cases. The Florida Department of Health also reported 43 new coronavirus-related deaths, Oct. 4, increasing the statewide death toll to 14,845 fatalities.Of the 5,404,082 COVID-19 tests that have been reported in Florida so far, the overall positivity rate has fallen to 13.26%. The latest single-day positivity rate has dipped to 3.72%.

State health officials reported 2,628 new COVID-19 cases, Thursday, bringing Florida's total to 709,144 cases. The Florida Department of Health also reported 131 new coronavirus-related deaths, Oct. 1, increasing the statewide death toll to 14,619 fatalities.Of the 5,333,017 COVID-19 tests that have been reported in Florida so far, the overall positivity rate stands at 13.3% and the latest single-day positivity rate dropped to 4.62%.

In a historic move, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a nationwide halt on evictions earlier this month. WGCU’s Andrea Perdomo spoke with Cathy Lucrezi, supervising attorney for Legal Aid Services of Collier County about what tenants need to do in order to prevent eviction.