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Spike in COVID-19 cases follows reopenings

Manatee County had the highest spike in COVID-19 cases in a month on Thursday, June 11, with 56 new cases reported by the Florida Department of Health.

Statewide cases also spiked that day with 1,663 new cases.

The CDC ranks Manatee County fifth among Florida counties for the number of COVID-19 deaths.

The increases come within three weeks of the May 21 reopening of Florida vacation rentals from state-imposed closures intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Gov. Ron DeSantis reopened beaches, restaurants, retail stores and state parks on May 4, hair and nail salons on May 11, and gyms on May 18.

The incubation period for the coronavirus, or COVID-19, is up to 14 days, with more than 97% of people developing symptoms withing 11.5 days of becoming infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

From May 13 to June 11, new cases of COVID-19 trended upward both countywide and statewide.

As of June 11, 1,309 people in Manatee County with the coronavirus have been reported, with 114 people who died from the disease.

The CDC ranks Manatee County fifth among Florida counties for the number of COVID-19 deaths.

No cases were reported in Anna Maria or Cortez and fewer than five were reported in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach combined.

Statewide as of June 11, there have been 70,971 people with COVID-19 in Florida, and 2,877 people have died from the disease – more than the number of people who died in the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, which killed 2,753 people, according to the Encyclopedia Brittanica.

The CDC predicts more than 3,500 more cases in Florida by July 1.

Nationwide, 2,038,344 cases of coronavirus have been reported, with 114,625 deaths.

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State health officer: ‘Wear your mask’

 

 

Tips for staying safer from coronavirus

Groceries

Order groceries online or use curbside pickup. If you must shop in a store, stay at least 6 feet away from others, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering, go during hours when fewer people will be there and if you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out if the store has special hours for people at higher risk and shop during those hours. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions or are immune compromised. Disinfect the shopping cart with disinfecting wipes if available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If possible, use touchless payment (pay without touching money, a card or a keypad). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keypad, use hand sanitizer right after paying.

Deliveries, mail and takeout

Use delivery services when possible, having bags of ordered food left on a home doorstep. Limit in-person contact if possible. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after accepting deliveries or collecting mail.

Banking

Bank online when possible. If you must go inside the bank, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol after any deposit, withdrawal, exchange, drive-thru visit or use of an ATM.

Wash your hands thoroughly when you arrive home.

Getting gas

Use disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons before you touch them (if available). After fueling, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when you get home or somewhere with soap and water.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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