Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Florida on August 17
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.
Do I need to wear a mask when I vote? How to cast your ballot safely amid COVID-19
5:30 p.m.: Voting will be a little different this Election Day.
If you haven’t voted by mail already or cast a ballot at an early-voting center, Tuesday is your day. And if you plan to vote in this primary, you will want to take note of keeping safe at the precinct amid the pandemic.
Yes, there are rules.
Read the full story here.
More toxic hand sanitizer recalls (at Dollar Tree, Family Dollar) and Do Not Use updates
4:15 p.m.: SkinGuard24 — All Day Hand Sanitizer, which states its active ingredient contains methanol, has been recalled nationwide while 10 other hand sanitizers join it on the FDA’s Do Not Use list.
According to the FDA, methanol can be toxic if absorbed into the skin. Most of the hand sanitizers on the Do Not Use list contain methanol or were made in the same facility as a hand sanitizer with methanol.
Read the full story here.
Florida adds 2,678 coronavirus cases, the lowest reported since June
3 p.m.: Florida’s Department of Health on Monday confirmed 2,678 additional cases of COVID-19, the lowest number of cases reported since June. The state now has 576,094 total confirmed cases.
The last time Florida reported cases in the 2,000s was on June 22, when it confirmed 2,926. Before that, 2,610 cases were reported on June 17.
An additional 87 Florida resident deaths were also announced Monday, bringing the statewide resident death toll to 9,539. No new non-resident deaths announced, leaving the non-resident death toll at 135.
Monday’s total of newly confirmed cases is the second day the state reports less than 5,000 newly confirmed cases. On Sunday, Florida reported 3,779 additional cases.
Read the full story here.
Blaise Matuidi says bout with COVID-19 led to his decision to join Inter Miami
1:10 p.m.: A bout with COVID-19 helped sway midfielder Blaise Matuidi to leave Italian power Juventus and continue his career in the United States with Inter Miami.
Matuidi, the French World Cup winner who signed with Miami last week, revealed in an interview with L’Equipe newspaper that “the time had come for a change of direction” this summer after being quarantined from mid-March to early April with the coronavirus. Although he was asymptomatic, the scare had a profound effect on him.
“Being one of the first players to test positive for this virus made me reflect on the meaning of life,” he said.
Read the full story here.
What’s next for the Paris Theater?
9:25 a.m.: Over the past 75 years, Miami Beach’s Paris Theater has played the roles of theater, Indie film house, adult cinema, nightclub, music studio. Next up: restaurant.
Mathieu Massa, owner and CEO of the Brickell-based Massa Investment Group and Mr. Hospitality, was set to present his conversion plans for the theater last week to the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board, according to an application submitted to the city. The board moved the item to its September meeting.
“This pandemic has put tourism in a coma and what better way to help revive the tourism industry than to unveil the new and improved historic Paris Theater? When Miami Beach awakens from this blackout, we will be an integral part of delivering to the city a unique fine dining, entertainment and event destination,” Massa said by email.
Read the full story here.
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 Monday begins.
▪ New COVID-19 cases in Florida and Miami-Dade lowest since June, positive test rates fall
▪ Facing massive backlog of uncounted COVID deaths, FL medical examiners streamline review
▪ People just like you get COVID-19. See the stories and information most relevant to you
This story was originally published August 17, 2020 at 9:26 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Florida on August 17."
