Alachua County reported another coronavirus-related death Wednesday, a resident not affiliated with long-term care. Fifteen deaths have been reported this month so far, down from 25 in March.
The county s total virus-related deaths now stand at 274, 80 of whom were affiliated with long-term care. The residents include at least 111 men and 107 women.
Alachua County also added 46 new cases, for a total of 24,564. Daily case totals so far this month are higher than March’s numbers. The two-week positivity rate for new cases is 3.5%, an increase since last week.
Wednesday afternoon, 45 patients at Alachua County hospitals had a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 a decrease from last week, according to data from Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration. Hospitals had about 14.4% available capacity, and overall bed availability has remained stable for the past month.
Alachua County Public Schools has updated its COVID-19 protocols based on the community’s latest virus figures and recommendations from local medical experts.
For the rest of the school year, masks will not be required outdoors on campus for students or adults. Social distancing will be encouraged. Masks still will be required inside and on school buses, except for those with an exemption.
Beginning with the school system’s summer programs, masks will be optional both indoors and outside “unless there is a significant spike in cases or other health/safety issues,” according to information released by the Alachua County Public Schools district Friday. Temperature checks will not be required.
“Everybody in Alachua County who wants a vaccine can get one,” said county health administrator Paul Myers.
Information on all county walk-up clinics can be found online at alachua.floridahealth.gov/events/index.html.
Retailers including Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Winn-Dixie also are scheduling vaccine appointments in Alachua County, which can be made online.
Veterans can schedule vaccinations through the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System by calling 548-6000, ext. 103755.
All adults 18 years old and older are eligible for vaccines, while 16- and 17-year-olds can receive a Pfizer vaccine. A parent or guardian must sign the Pfizer consent form and be present at the appointment.
Alachua County s daily coronavirus vaccine numbers increasing gainesville.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from gainesville.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Alachua County reports 4 COVID-19 deaths Saturday
Alachua County reported four coronavirus-related deaths in Saturday’s update from the state health department, the highest single-day total so far this month. Two of the residents are affiliated with long-term care.
Overall virus-related deaths remain much lower in the local area than during the winter holiday peak they reached earlier this year. Twelve COVID-19 deaths have been reported so far in April, compared to 25 last month.
The county s virus fatalities now include 267 residents, 80 of whom were affiliated with long-term care. The residents include at least 111 men and 107 women.
Alachua County on Saturday also added 57 new virus cases, for a total of 24,441. Daily case totals so far this month are higher than March’s numbers. The two-week positivity rate for new cases is 3.1%, a slight increase since last week.