The Florida Department of Health reported a record 437 new COVID-19 hospitalizations Friday, raising the total number to 17,602.
The previous record single-day hospitalization record of 411 people was set Thursday.
In addition, Friday’s numbers include 92 deaths and 11,433 new infections recorded across the state. In total, 244,151 people in Florida have now tested positive for coronavirus, according to the Department of Health.
On Thursday, Florida added a record 120 deaths, 40 of which were in the Tampa Bay area.
Locally, the Tampa Bay area recorded seven deaths today. Hillsborough County made up the majority with three deaths, and added 990 new cases; Pinellas County added two deaths and 481 new cases and Polk County added two deaths and 404 cases.
Last weekend, four hospitals in the Tampa Bay area were at maximum capacity, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office promised to begin reporting the daily hospitalization data. Yet to follow through on this promise, the Florida Department of Health currently reports the total number of hospitalizations statewide, but not how many people are currently hospitalized. On Tuesday, DeSantis refused to answer why no changes have been made, when asked by a reporter.
Despite deaths, infection rates and hospitalization numbers climbing, DeSantis doubled down on the decision to reopen schools in the fall by saying “I have no doubt that we can do this safely,” at a Jacksonville news conference.
At the same conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis insisted that the Republican National Convention, scheduled for August 24-27, in Jacksonville will be “a safe environment.”
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This article appears in Jul 9-15, 2020.