Yet another week of the pandemic commences and as of Monday April 6, the coronavirus has infected approximately 1.2 million people worldwide. The United States makes up 27.9% of the global total with more than 330,000 confirmed cases.
Florida surpassed the 12,000 mark. Miami-Dade accounts for 33.6% of the infected COVID-19 population in the state and Palm Beach County spikes to almost 50 deaths.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced on Saturday that a new testing site has opened at the South Dade Government Center in Cutler Bay. The site will be open to those who are 18 and older and experiencing symptoms. Medical personnel will administer about 300 tests a day by appointment only.
Gimenez also issued an executive order that requires all hospitals in the county to provide the number of beds, ventilators and new as well as discharged COVID-19 patients on a daily basis.
WSVN 7 reported on Sunday that another Atria Willow Wood resident had died of COVID-19. This makes it the seventh death at that assisted living facility so far, with 20 other residents positive for the virus.
The Coral Princess cruise ship docked at Port Miami on Saturday morning with 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases aboard. Cruise officials stated that the disembarkation process would take several days as those who are in immediate need of medical assistance will be prioritized. Passengers who are experiencing symptoms or who have been previously ill will remain onboard till they are cleared by the ship’s medical staff.
The city of Miami Beach released a statement on Saturday announcing that effective April 7, all employees and customers of stores, restaurants and pharmacies will be required to cover their nose and mouth area when they are inside the establishments. Acceptable forms of face wear include a face mask, homemade mask or any type of cloth covering. The established order to stay six feet apart is also in effect.
Broward Sheriff’s office announced on Saturday the death of Deputy Shannon Bennett due to COVID-19 complications. Bennett had served with the department for more than 12 years and was a school resource officer at Deerfield Beach Elementary.
At a press conference, Sheriff Gregory Tony stressed to the community that first responders are not immune to the virus.
“If you truly support your first responders, then reduce our opportunities for having citizen contact,” Tony said. “Because for every time we have to answer a call because someone is not compliant, it puts our lives at risk.”
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced on Saturday the death of Sgt. Jose Diaz Ayala due to COVID-19. Ayala was 38 and had prior underlying health issues. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw released a message assuring that Sgt. Ayala would be deeply missed. “He had an outstanding career with the agency and was respected by all of his peers,” Bradshaw said. “Sgt. Ayala’s death illustrates the seriousness of this disease and the danger the deputies face as they continue to serve this community.”
U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart shared on Sunday that he would reunite with his family after being cleared by his doctor from COVID-19. Diaz-Balart added that he had applied to participate in Red Cross plasma donation alongside Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a recovered COVID-19 patient.
On the Caplin News: Camila Insuasti reports that despite negative effects the Coronavirus pandemic is having a strong effect on hospitality workers, but experts say the industry can bounce back.
Multimedia story of the day: The Pew Research Center said U.S. Latinos have been impacted the most by pay cuts and layoffs. The survey conducted from March 19 to 24 reveals that almost 49% of Hispanics say that they or someone in their household has reported a decrease in salary or lost their job.
Tweet of the day:
I don’t know what day of quarantine it is but I’ve just googled “how to give yourself a tattoo”
— Fran Tirado (@fransquishco) April 4, 2020
