Florida topped 200,000 coronavirus cases as the state reported another 10,059 new positives on Sunday.
The state has reported more than 10,000 new cases for the fourth consecutive day as the country sees another increase in the pandemic. Florida is among the 11 states where the numbers have skyrocketed, at least doubling in the past two weeks.
On Saturday, Florida reported 11,458 new cases of the virus, breaking its previous records and approaching New York’s largest daily record of 11,571 since April.
New York was considered the epicenter of the coronavirus in the U.S., but since then it has significantly reduced its cases after an extensive blockade and social distancing measures. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced 533 new cases for the state on Sunday, less than 1 percent of the tests done the day before.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been shocked by his response to the virus, including his early refusal to issue a statewide beach closure when spring break came to the state in March. The state closed the bars late last month after a “general breach” of the state’s reopening guidelines.
DeSantis has yet to issue a statewide mask order, though it has encouraged residents to wear one, and some local governments have issued their own ordinances. Populated areas such as Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Duval and Hillsborough counties have already adopted the face mask requirements.
Local governments have issued their own rules to try to stem the spread of the disease, such as in Miami-Dade County, where a new curfew began from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday. County Mayor Carlos A. Giménez also said he was delaying the reopening of entertainment venues, including movie theaters, bowling alleys and casinos. The county previously closed its beaches for the Independence Day holiday weekend.
Although Florida cases continue to rise, the Republican National Convention is still scheduled to take place in Jacksonville in late August. President Donald Trump said he would move out of the North Carolina convention after Democratic Governor Roy Cooper was reluctant to ease COVID-19 restrictions.
