Florida reached a grim milestone Monday, passing 100,000 total COVID-19 cases, according to data released by the state Department of Health.
Since Sunday, Florida added 12 new deaths, as well as 2,926 new infections, bringing the overall total to 100,217 cases and 3,173 deaths.
In Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County now has 5,904 cases, and 115 deaths, with Pinellas adding 3,792 cases 117 deaths. Pasco now has 861 deaths and 17 deaths.
In total, the state has now conducted 1,618,540 COVID-19 tests. It’s also seen 13,119 hospitalizations.
In a Saturday press conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis defended his decision to reopen the economy, arguing that many of the new cases are among young people who are more likely to be asymptomatic.
In Hillsborough County, the median age right now for newly infected residents is 37, and median age in Pinellas is 41.
The Florida Department of Health issued a new public health advisory on Saturday, urging people to wear masks if they are unable to social distance, and to avoid crowds of more than 50 people. DeSantis also recommended people wear masks, but would not make it a statewide mandate.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you up to the minute news on how Coronavirus is affecting Tampa and surrounding areas. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Follow @cl_tampabay on Twitter to get the most up-to-date news + views. Subscribe to our newsletter, too.
