Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Florida on July 11
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.
The Keys report a record number of new COVID-19 cases. It’s not as bad as it seems, health official says
4:10 p.m.: The Florida Health Department in the Keys reported 74 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday, which is the highest ever reported in the island chain. But the number is not quite as bad as it appears, according to Monroe County’s top health official.
The numbers reflect cases confirmed both Thursday and Friday, Robert Eadie said. But he’s still concerned.
Read the full story here.
As virus rages, South Florida residents cling to government aid. What happens when it runs out?
3:45 p.m.: With about one out of every nine Miami-Dade workers — and nearly one out of every six in Broward — still out of a job due to the coronavirus pandemic, a question lingers in South Florida: How long can the region stave off an even worse economic disaster?
Greater Miami ranks as one of the hardest hit metros in the country, thanks to its reliance on a tourism industry that has instantly dried up.
Yet the region seems to have avoided, so far, a more traumatic economic shock thanks to massive government intervention.
But Florida’s unemployment insurance lasts only 12 weeks. And the extra $600 from Congress is set to expire July 31.
Then there is the added uncertainty of a virus that continues to rage throughout the state, and especially in South Florida — prompting the threat of more business closures that could cause further economic damage.
Read the full story here.
Florida reports 10,360 new COVID-19 cases and 95 deaths
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12:20 p.m.: Florida’s Department of Health on Friday confirmed 10,360 new cases of COVID-19, making it the third-highest single-day total recorded since the pandemic began in March.
The highest 24-hour total recorded in the state was reported on July 4, with 11,458 new cases. Friday had 11,433, the second-highest single-day total.
Florida now has 254,511 confirmed cases. There were also 95 new deaths announced, raising the statewide death toll to 4,197.
Read the full story here.
COVID-19 leads to kids’ vaccine rates falling, risking other outbreaks
10:25 a.m.: The number of children getting vaccinated in Florida is declining and COVID-19 may be to blame.
Numerous doctors and even the state health department have noticed an alarming trend of parents not bringing their children in to get vaccinated due to coronavirus fears.
Dr. Maria Milla, a pediatrician at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, said she has noticed parents growing skittish about taking their children for routine vaccinations in the last few months. Since her practice is located in a hospital, Milla said she thinks parents are afraid to bring their children into a place associated with being sick.
The decline in vaccinations is occurring across all ages, Milla said. The only vaccination rate that hasn’t gone down is the Hepatitis B vaccine, which is given to newborn babies in the hospital before they are taken home.
Read the full story here.
Disney reopens today. Are Mickey and Minnie socially distancing?
9:15 a.m.: After nearly four months of being closed during the pandemic, one of the last major theme parks in Florida reopens Saturday. Mickey Mouse is back, but Walt Disney World has a slew of rules and guidelines you’ll have to follow.
Disney World begins its phased reopening on July 11. On that day, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen. Four days later on July 15, Epcot and Hollywood Studios will open.
Read the full story here.
‘Parents understand risks’: 15 staffers, 3 kid campers catch COVID-19 in Miami-Dade
8:45 a.m.: As parents across Miami-Dade County wonder how schools will safely bring students back next month, they can look to local summer camps for an idea of how in-person learning during a pandemic may go.
The county and its cities rolled out modified camp programs this summer, after Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted restrictions on youth activities in May. To keep kids safe, camp coordinators limited enrollment, imposed mask and temperature rules and kept kids in small groups away from others.
Still, coronavirus cases associated with summer camps have popped up across the county. The summer programs — which end in early August — may prove to be a trial run for the school restart later that month. The first day of public school is Aug. 24.
Of Miami-Dade County’s 36 summer camp programs, there has been at least one coronavirus case — mostly among staff members — at 16 of them, according to a county spokeswoman.
At least 15 staff members and two campers in Miami-Dade’s program have tested positive for COVID-19 since the program started June 8.
Read the full story here.
Dentists are sweating under three layers of face protection to get patients back
8:30 a.m.: After almost two months of emergency-only care, reduced patient volume and pay cuts, most dental practices in South Florida have reopened with extensive new screening and disinfection protocols that include questioning staff and patients regularly about COVID-19 symptoms, moving waiting rooms to spacious parking lots and investing in technology.
Dr. Raul Gonzales at Smile Studio in Doral minimizes the risk of infection by requiring staff and patients to bring a clean change of clothes and shoes to change into every time they enter the office.
But some remain skeptical.
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 Saturday begins.
▪ As COVID crisis worsens, Miami-Dade scaling back $70M program for delivering senior meals.
▪ Four months into the pandemic, Florida reports current COVID-19 hospitalization data.
▪ DeSantis defends reopening, says new surge is because of Florida’s ‘flatter curve’
This story was originally published July 11, 2020 at 8:57 AM.
