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Florida reported 156 additional deaths from COVID-19 today
Joe Byrnes, WMFE
So far, the state has recorded 25,849 deaths. And nationwide, more than 419,000 people have died with the coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Florida posted 8,720 new cases today, with a test positivity rate of 8.25 percent.
Overall, the state’s trends have improved slightly in the past week, for cases, hospitalizations and deaths. About 6,900 are hospitalized.
In Central Florida, Osceola County reported nine deaths from COVID-19, bringing its death toll to 343.
Two deaths were reported in Brevard and Marion counties and one in Orange County.
1.4 million people have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine in Florida. 158,000 have received two.
In Central Florida counties, including Marion, 286,000 have received at least one shot of the vaccine.
DeSantis to feds: Florida wants more COVID-19 vaccine doses
The Associated Press
MIAMI (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says the flow of COVID-19 vaccines has been stagnant and the state needs more to meet the increasing demand from residents.
DeSantis said officials in Washington told Florida it would start to see the supply increase around this time, but that hasn't happened. Last week, the governor said the state doesn’t need FEMA sites to distribute vaccines, saying it already has the infrastructure set up, with hospitals, pharmacies and some of the major drive-thru testing sites.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki pushed back against DeSantis’ comments, saying Florida has only administered about half of the vaccines it has been given.
Here are some coronavirus-related stories you might have missed:
White House Enlists ASL Interpreters For Daily Press Briefings
The White House on Monday announced that its regular press briefings will now include an American Sign Language interpreter. White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the move was “part of this administration’s accessibility and inclusion efforts.” Read more here.
Orange County Leaders Encourage Residents to Attend Job Fair, Get Vaccinated As Soon As Possible
Orange County residents who have been furloughed or laid off can meet employers looking to fill vacancies at their companies at the Mayor’s Job Fair on Wednesday. Read more here.
Orlando International Airport Had Its Busiest December Since 2007 This Year, Despite a Pandemic and a Recession
The Orlando International Airport was the 99th busiest airport out of a total of 530 American airports surveyed in 2020. Read more here.
Miami Heat to use COVID-19-sniffing dogs to screen fans at games
The Miami Heat are bringing back some fans, with help from some dogs. The Heat will use coronavirus-sniffing dogs at American Airlines Arena to screen fans who are coming to their home games. Read more here.
