Diane, a nurse from Houston, Texas, sunbathes on the beach with her husband, both wearing face masks, in Miami Beach, Florida on June 16, 2020.
Eva Marie Uzcategui | AFP via Getty Images
Florida reported 9,636 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, marking another record day as cases continue to rise in the state, according to figures released by the Florida Department of Health.
The increase comes a day after the state record of 8,942 cases on Friday. The coronavirus has now infected more than 130,000 people in Florida and has killed at least 3,390. There were 76,129 tests performed on Friday with a positivity rate of 12.7%, according to the health department.
Cases have increased by the thousands in Florida in the past few days, along with an increase in many other states, particularly in the south and west.
Some officials have delayed or even reversed reopening efforts. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation announced Friday that it would suspend local alcohol consumption in bars across the state.
Miami Mayor Carlos Giménez signed an emergency order to close all Miami-Dade County beaches over the weekend of July 4, while criticizing attendees for failing to meet public health guidelines.
“As we continue to see more positive COVID-19 results among young adults and the increase in hospitalizations, I have decided that the only prudent way to stop this recent increase is to crack down on recreational activities that elevate our community. overall risk, “Giménez said in a statement.
On Thursday, the city of Miami also issued a mandate requiring people to cover their faces in public at all times. In Palm Beach County, north of Miami, the mayor said Friday that 1.5 million masks will be mailed to the 660,000 homes there.
Even though cases continue to increase, there are no statewide mask requirements in Florida.
When asked why not all residents are required to wear masks in public, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis said at a press conference on Friday: “We will continue to present the guide, and we will trust people to do good.” decisions. ”
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