Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Florida on July 2
We’re keeping track of the latest news regarding the coronavirus in South Florida and around the state. Check back for updates throughout the day.
11-year-old boy in Miami-Dade youngest to die from COVID-19 in Florida, records show
3:30 p.m.: An 11-year-old boy in Miami-Dade County has died from COVID-19 complications, making him the youngest known fatality in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health.
His death was included in Florida’s toll on Thursday. He is the third minor in the state to die from complications relating to the novel coronavirus, case line data show.
The other two deaths were a 16-year-old girl in Lee County and a 17-year-old boy in Pasco County.
Read the full story here.
Miami-Dade mayor: Wear masks because closing businesses again ‘brings so much suffering’
2:30 p.m.: When COVID numbers started looking bad again two weeks ago, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced a crackdown on emergency business rules and declared the economy would remain fully open. “We’re not going back at this point,” he said on June 18.
On Thursday, with coronavirus statistics in Miami-Dade the worst ever, that optimism was gone from Gimenez’s public statements.
“No one wants to go back to close nonessential businesses. I certainly do not,” Gimenez said at a press conference Thursday morning at Charles Hadley Park in the Liberty City area of Miami. “I know how much suffering that has caused for working families. So please, everybody, follow the rules.”
His statement came an hour after Gimenez enacted a new emergency order requiring facial coverings in most public places, including outdoors even when nobody else is around.
Read the full story here.
A new death and a daily record of COVID-19 cases in the Keys
12:45 p.m.: The Florida Keys on Thursday had one new COVID-19-related death and set a daily record for the number of cases reported, as the island chain braces for an influx of tourists for the long Fourth of July weekend.
The Keys reported 26 additional cases of the deadly disease, according to the Florida Department of Health, for a total of 296 cases.
The day before news of the new cases was released, Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers told a local radio news show host that officials have not ruled out bringing back the highway checkpoints.
Read the full story here.
Governor’s ‘Three Cs’ as crisis deepens
Noon: As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees remind all Floridians to protect the vulnerable by avoiding the Three Cs: Closed Spaces, Crowded Places and Close-Contact Settings and by wearing a mask in public.
Of course, with 10,109 new cases in Florida in one day alone, these practices could help not only the vulnerable.
Why “Three Cs?”
Think of them as Closed Spaces. Closed spaces with poor ventilation could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Crowded Places increase chances for spreading COVID-19 from person-to-person.
Close-Contact Settings. Get out of each others’ faces. Close-range conversations are risky. Stay at least six feet from others.
“People over the age of 65 and those with underlying conditions are at risk of severe complications from COVID-19 and should avoid crowds and minimize contact outside of the home,” DeSantis said in a statement. “As we head into this holiday weekend, I encourage all Floridians be diligent in avoiding closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings, and remember to wear a mask. Together, we must continue to take the appropriate steps to slow the spread of this virus.”
“Many asymptomatic individuals are unknowingly carrying the COVID-19 virus in public,” added Rivkees. “Wearing a mask in public settings, frequently washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and observing the latest social distancing guidelines will also amplify our ongoing efforts in protecting our most vulnerable populations from contracting this virus. Every Floridian has an important role to play in shielding and safeguarding our communities against COVID-19.”
Florida reports more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases, breaking another single-day record
11:20 a.m.: State health officials confirmed 10,109 additional cases of COVID-19, breaking another single-day total record of newly confirmed cases in Florida. The statewide death toll is now at 3,617.
Previously, the highest single-day total was reported on Saturday with 9,585 cases.
Of the 67 new deaths in the state, 39 were in South Florida, including one in Monroe County.
Read the full story here.
South Florida state Rep. Shevrin Jones tests positive for coronavirus
10:45 a.m.: State Rep. Shevrin Jones, a Broward County Democrat, tested positive for coronavirus Tuesday after feeling symptoms like body aches, fever and a congested nose.
“It’s basically all of the above,” the West Park Democrat told the Miami Herald Wednesday.
Jones, 36, said he got tested at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood on Tuesday and received his results the same day.
In a tweet Wednesday, Jones wrote: “Transparent Moment: For those who think it’s a game, it’s not, I have tested positive for Covid. I feel awful, and I don’t wish this on anyone.”
On Thursday, Jones started a COVID diary video series on Twitter to let his nearly 13,000 followers know how he’s doing.
“To be honest, I don’t feel well. I feel extremely awful,” he said in the clip. “My hope is I continue to push through this.”
Read the full story here.
Planning on a pool party this holiday weekend? There are things you need to know
8:30 a.m.: A Miami-Dade County order limits the use of pools Friday through Monday. Hotel and motel pools will be open to only guests, and community pools are limited to those who live at the property.
That means no holiday pool parties.
“Various municipalities have expressed concern over parties and gatherings in hotels over the Fourth of July holiday, which could drive the spread of COVID-19,” reads the Miami-Dade emergency order.
Read the full story here.
Miami-Dade Schools will require mandatory masks when school begins
8:25 a.m.: On the same day authorities took new steps to address the recent surge in Florida COVID-19 cases, Miami-Dade County Public Schools signed off on a plan Wednesday to reopen schools this fall, calling for smaller classes, a mix of in-person, online and hybrid teaching models and masks mandated for all.
The nine-member School Board unanimously approved the district’s reopening plan, which depends on the county transitioning to Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan by Aug. 24, the first day of classes. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho characterized the plan as “nimble” and a “work in progress.” He said the district will prepare for a fully online fall if necessary, due to the rising COVID-19 cases.
Read the full story here.
CATCH UP TO START THE DAY
8:15 a.m.: Here are the coronavirus headlines to catch you up on what’s happening around South Florida and the state as Thursday begins.
▪ As COVID cases surge, Miami-Dade changes course and requires masks outside at all times.
▪ Facing shortages of beds and remdesivir, South Florida hospitals halt elective surgeries.
▪ Renters cheer, landlords fume at last-minute extension of Florida’s eviction moratorium.
This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 8:53 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Florida on July 2."
