Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Florida on August 19
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.
Feeding South Florida receives cash donation
4:50 p.m.: Feeding South Florida, which has ramped up its efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic to provide assistance in South Florida, received a $159,000 donation Wednesday from Raytheon Technologies.
Raytheon’s local subsidiary, Pratt & Whitney in West Palm Beach, presented the check to help the agency support additional food distribututions in South Florida.
Raytheon has committed $5 million to Feeding America nationwide to support local food banks.
Feeding South Florida closed its 2019–2020 fiscal year on June 30 with 119.2 million pounds of food distributed (99.3 million meals) ― compared to last year’s distribution of 61.5 million pounds of food, according to a media release.
NFL won’t rule out moving games from coronavirus hotspots (like Miami)
4:35 p.m.: The NFL is considering building a playoff bubble and will not rule out moving games from COVID-19 hotspots, like South Florida, according to league officials who briefed reporters during a national conference call Wednesday.
The Dolphins are determined to play their eight home games at Hard Rock Stadium this fall, and hope to do so in front of fans. But if the public health situation here gets markedly worse, it’s possible the league will change locations.
The Miami Marlins’ roster-crippling outbreak was caused by players venturing out of their rooms and hotel on the road, and a similar issue could arise when football games begin.
Read the story here.
This company will test you, ‘wherever’
3:45 p.m.: BodyK, co-founded a year ago as a concierge wellness company in Miami by Mari Martinez, is now offering on-site COVID-19 testing in Miami-Dade County.
BodyK is offering tests “wherever the need may be” in your home, a residential building, a corporation, or a school, according to partner Jennifer Pereira.
Tests include the COVID-19 PCR nasal swab test, the rapid COVID-19 antibody test and the DBS COVID-19 quantitative antibody test.
Turnaround time for a COVID-19 test is 36 to 72 hours, the company says. Pricing starts at $85 and varies per test.
BodyK is working with the Miami-Dade Beacon Council.
“BodyK is a great example of a women-led company that quickly pivoted during these times from focusing on holistic medicine and wellness to rapid COVID-19 testing,” Michael Finney, Beacon Council’s president and CEO said in a release.
Information at 1-833-MY-BODYK.
You can make more than $3,000 at a new COVID-19 testing site in Wynwood
1:55 p.m.: A new testing site has opened in Wynwood on Wednesday to offer free tests. There are also opportunities to enroll in Xera Med Research studies that pay qualified participants $400 to $3,250.
Florida reports more than 4,000 coronavirus cases, pushing known total past 584,000
1:50 p.m.: Florida’s Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed 4,115 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state’s known total to 584,047. There were also 174 Florida resident deaths announced, bringing the resident death toll to 9,932.
There were no new non-resident deaths announced, leaving the non-resident toll at 135.
Read the full story here.
Fort Lauderdale Boat Show still on — but under COVID guidelines
12:25 p.m.: The 61st annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is moving forward for Oct. 28-Nov. 1 but due to the coronavirus pandemic organizers will have to follow CDC, Global Biorisk Advisory Council and local guidelines. Social distancing rules of six feet of separation among people (not counting families from the same household) will apply.
Also, organizers issued a news release Wednesday that said the setting will undergo deep cleaning before, during, and after each day’s events. In addition, overnight disinfection, electrostatic sprayers with EPA biodegradable disinfectants and continuous sanitation throughout the the boat show. The focus: high-touch areas like door handles, restrooms and food and beverage areas.
There will also be hand washing facilities and hand sanitizing stations throughout, the use of digital materials rather than printed materials and physical distancing protocols.
These include non-contact ticketing and registration. Boat Show staff and participants will be required to wear a face mask (so will you) and participate in screening measures. Exhibitor booth spaces have to comply with all requirements outlined for retail establishments in Broward County.
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show has details here.
Florida reports more than 4,100 coronavirus cases, pushing known total past 584,000
11:45 a.m.: Florida’s Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed 4,115 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state’s known total to 584,047. There were also 174 Florida resident deaths announced, bringing the resident death toll to 9,932.
Read the story here.
Getting your car serviced in South Florida shouldn’t be a death-defying act | Opinion
11:15 a.m.: Think you’ve taught yourself how to live safely during the coronavirus pandemic in Florida? Go get your car serviced. Tight spaces, fake mask wearing, challenged social distancing send stress levels soaring.
Read Fabiola Santiago’s column here.
With ‘heavy heart,’ Winterfest cancels parade, joining other festivities lost to COVID-19
9:25 a.m.: The South Florida holiday season has become considerably less festive.
Despite it being about three to four months out, blame a spate of cancellations on the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest to cancel: the 2020 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade that was to be held in Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 12.
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 Wednesday begins.
Florida sees 3,838 coronavirus cases and more than 200 deaths, pushing toll past 9,700
Do temperature checks really work for detecting coronavirus? Here’s what experts say
This story was originally published August 19, 2020 at 10:22 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Florida on August 19."
