Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Florida on July 15
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.
What exactly does Phase 2 mean? Experts say it is not coming soon in South Florida
6:10 p.m.: All counties in Florida except Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach went into Phase 2 on June 5. Since then, the state has become the COVID epicenter of the world.
While most establishments have reopened to some extent in South Florida, Miami-Dade schools won’t reopen unless the county is in Phase 2. And some local experts say the county will not reach this designation anytime soon either.
Palm Beach County School Board members have already said students will likely begin their school year online next month. Distance learning is also expected to continue in Broward.
National guidelines for reopening states are a 14-day consecutive decline in positive cases. Is this coming soon?
Read the full story here.
Walmart to require customers to wear masks at all its stores
2 p.m.: Walmart will require customers to wear face coverings at all of its namesake and Sam’s Club stores, making it the largest retailer to introduce such a policy that has otherwise proven difficult to enforce without state and federal requirements.
The company said the policy will go into effect on Monday to allow time to inform stores and customers. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company said that currently about 65% of its more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is already some form of government mandate on face coverings.
Miami-Dade, for instance, requires masks in both indoor and outdoor locales.
Read the full story here.
Former Broward Sheriff Scott Israel hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19
1:15 p.m.: Scott Israel, the former Broward County Sheriff removed from office but fighting to regain his seat in November, has been hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19, he said Wednesday.
Israel, 64, said he’d been feeling ill the past few days and family members urged him to get tested.
“Like most of you, I took precautions, followed the advice of health experts, wore a mask in public, washed my hands regularly and observed social distancing. Yet, despite this vigilance, I have contracted the virus,” he said.
Read the full story here.
Also, Key Biscayne Police Chief Charles Press tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the department posted on Instagram Wednesday.
Coral Gables testing site reopening, but residents will need to pay
12:15 a.m.: A Coral Gables novel coronavirus testing site will reopen for residents as cases continue to spike, but this time those wishing to be tested will have to pay.
The site will be located at a city-owned parking lot off LeJeune Road near the Shops at Merrick Park. The site was first opened in late April.
After a unanimous vote by the city commission, the site will reopen sometime next week, but tests will cost patients $95.
Read the full story here.
Florida coronavirus cases hit 301,810 as state reports more than 10,000 cases
11:30 a.m.: The state once again topped 10,000 new cases of the coronavirus.
Florida’s Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed 10,181 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state’s known total to hit 301,810. There were also 112 new deaths announced, bringing the statewide death toll to 4,521.
Read the full story here.
CARES Act funding is used to get homeless off the street. But time is running out for some
10:55 a.m.: Fort Lauderdale was already among the places listed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for having the largest number of homeless people, and with COVID-19 hobbling the economy, that number is growing. As confirmed coronavirus cases in the state rise, both the city and Broward County are struggling to find permanent refuge for their homeless population.
In Miami-Dade County, Ron Book, chairman of the board at Homeless Trust, began placing homeless people in hotels to protect them from coronavirus and storms. “Our goal is to end homelessness,” he said.
Dr. Shedrick Boren, a professor of social work at Florida International University and former CEO of Camillus Health and Camillus House, said homelessness during COVID-19 poses a particular challenge in South Florida.
Read the full story here.
Where can I get a COVID-19 test in South Florida without having to make an appointment?
9:25 a.m.: As Florida sees staggering numbers of newly confirmed cases of the coronavirus — the state’s health department reported 9,194 new cases and 132 new deaths on Tuesday, the highest number of fatalities reported in a single day — and as Miami-Dade public hospitals fill, it’s understandable that people feel an urgency to get tested.
There are several places where you can get a COVID-19 test without having to make an appointment and you don’t need a doctor’s order. As in most places, expect a long line so bring water for hydration and food if necessary to tide you over.
CATCH UP TO START THE DAY
9:20 a.m.: Here are the coronavirus headlines to catch you up on what’s happening around South Florida and the state as Wednesday begins.
Florida adds 132 deaths, highest fatality toll, as coronavirus cases surpass 290,600
Broward schools should stay ’100%’ online because of COVID-19, superintendent recommends
After wave of younger COVID patients, older patients return to Miami’s public hospitals
The French are leaving Miami amid COVID restaurant closures and international student ban
Mayor of Hialeah says DeSantis refused to let him into meeting to discuss COVID-19
This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 9:28 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Florida on July 15."
