Florida reports 13,000 new coronavirus cases statewide
On Thursday, the state announced the third-highest daily increase in coronavirus cases with 13,148.
Thursday s total was eclipsed only on July 12 and July 16, with 15,300 and 13,965 cases, respectively, during what was considered the peak of the pandemic in Florida.
The surge statewide can be attributed to the holiday season, specifically gatherings surrounding Thanksgiving, according to Dr. Asal Johnson, epidemiologist and professor at Stetson University.
Additionally, Volusia County announced its second-highest increase in cases on Thursday.
Volusia County recorded the largest single-day increase of 319 cases on Nov. 27. On Thursday, the county recorded 262 new coronavirus cases.
The state announced 97 new deaths of Florida residents Friday, bringing the death toll to 20,401. There have been 289 deaths among non-residents, which are not included in the state s total number of COVID-19 deaths.
In a grim milestone Thursday, the Florida Department of Health announced a record 171 new coronavirus cases in St. Johns County and 13,148 new coronavirus cases statewide.
The coronavirus continues to expand in St. Johns County setting its second record in two days, eclipsing Wednesday s record of 155, to reach 10,868 total cases. The worst three days since the virus began have been in December. The previous mark of 154 was set on Dec. 2.
St. Johns County reported one new death, for a total of 108, and has reported five deaths in the past seven days.
The county added 926 cases in the past seven days for a seven-day rolling average increase of 132 cases per day, up sharply from 121 in Wednesday s report. The average was 104 a week ago.