Florida is second only to California in confirmed cases, according to a count by Johns Hopkins University.
So, to help curb the spread of the virus, the Jackson Health employee union representing more than 5,000 nurses, doctors, and health professionals is demanding that Governor Ron DeSantis issue a mask mandate across the state, according to a press release issued by the group.
“With Miami-Dade, the new epicenter of the coronavirus with more than 100,000 positive cases, and Florida cases now outpacing New York, it is critical that the state comply with health restrictions, including establishing a mask requirement to control this crisis, “the statement said.
DeSantis has recommended the use of masks, but has not issued a state-wide mask command. Jackson Health is one of the largest health systems in the state of Florida.
According to the Florida Health Care Administration Agency (AHCA), 46 hospital intensive care units in Florida have reached capacity with no beds available in intensive care units.
Another 30 hospitals have 10% or less of available ICU capacity, according to AHCA. AHCA reports that about 18% of ICU beds are available throughout the state of Florida.
DeSantis said hospital admissions in Florida Sunday were the lowest since June during a briefing with Vice President of Press Mike Pence. DeSantis said the state also has the lowest death rate in the nation at 1.3%.
The Florida Department of Health reported a total of 8,892 new cases and 77 new deaths on Monday.
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