NCH

The current spike in COVID-19 related hospitalizations is being driven by unvaccinated people who are sicker and younger than earlier in the pandemic, according to hospital officials.

Florida has emerged as a hotspot in the current resurgence of COVID-19 infections across the country. According to the White House nearly one in five new cases nationwide, last week, were diagnosed in Florida.The increase in infections is putting a strain on local hospital systems and raising concerns among public health experts as a new school year is about to begin and public school districts are dropping mask mandates under pressure from parents and government officials.

Severe winter weather in other parts of the country continues to delay Moderna COVID-19 shipments to Florida. First dose appointments in Southwest Florida are temporarily postponed. Gov. Ron DeSantis faces criticism over a state-run pop-up vaccine clinic in Lakewood Ranch that targets residents of a community developed by one of the governor’s campaign contributors. Hospitals in Southwest Florida continue working to vaccinate people younger than 65 who are at higher risk from the virus. Health officials reported more than 7,000 new infections and 157 deaths, Wednesday. According to AAA, the pandemic continues to discourage Floridians from traveling. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody warns against COVID-19 vaccine scams.

The Florida Department of Health reported 3,615 COVID-19 infections, Monday, marking the lowest single-day increase in cases since the end of October. COVID-19 hospitalizations in Southwest Florida are also down, in line with a national trend. However, COVID-19 deaths in Florida remain high, averaging more than 153 fatalities a day over the past week.Severe winter weather across much of the U.S. is delaying shipments of COVID-19 vaccine doses to Florida. The delays have prompted the Department of Health in Collier County to only be providing second-dose shots this week. Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz is stepping down from his post. He has been a top state official leading Florida’s response to the pandemic.A pop-up vaccination clinic is coming to Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County later this week.

State health officials reported 17,783 new COVID-19 infections, Wednesday, for a total of 1,409,906 cases to date.The Florida Department of Health also reported 132 coronavirus-related deaths, yesterday, increasing the statewide death toll to 22,647 fatalities since the start of the pandemic.

State health officials reported 11,015 new COVID-19 cases, Monday, for a total of 1,212,581 cases.The Florida Department of Health also reported 112 new coronavirus-related deaths, Dec. 21, increasing the statewide death toll to 20,976 fatalities since the start of the pandemic.

State health officials reported 8,452 new COVID-19 cases, Wednesday, for a total of 1,134,383 cases.The Florida Department of Health also reported 137 new coronavirus-related deaths, Dec. 14, increasing the statewide death toll to 20,271 fatalities since the start of the pandemic. Florida surpassed the 20,000-death mark on Saturday.

State health officials reported 2,056 new COVID-19 cases, Wednesday, increasing the statewide total to 652,148 cases.The Florida Department of Health also reported 202 new coronavirus-related deaths, Sept. 9, bringing the statewide death toll to 12,269 fatalities. Wednesday's reported deaths mark the largest single-day increase in COVID-related deaths since August 18.

During an emotionally charged hours-long meeting, Thursday, Collier County Commissioners voted to extend a mandatory mask order imposed in late July, for another seven weeks until October 22.

State health officials reported 4,115 new cases of COVID-19, Wednesday, increasing the statewide total to 584,047 cases. Wednesday marked the fourth time this week, the Florida Department of Health reported fewer than 5,000 new cases of the virus in a day.Health officials also reported 174 coronavirus-related deaths, Aug. 19, bringing the state's death toll over the 10,000-death threshold with 10,067 fatalities.