Coronavirus update: Miami imposes curfew, Broward poll workers test positive and first local doctor dies

It is Friday, March 27 and the United States has officially surpassed Italy in confirmed coronavirus cases. Nearly a third of Americans are living under restrictions due to COVID 19 and New York cases are doubling every 72 hours.

Florida is now tracking 2355 cases, 28 deaths and Miami-Dade continues to lead with the highest amount of cases in the state.

The city of Miami imposed a curfew for its residents on Thursday. The curfew will take effect at 10 p.m. on Friday. Exceptions will be made for emergencies, food delivery, transporting to and from work and dog-walking.

Miami police chief Jorge Colina announced on Thursday that two officers had tested positive for COVID-19. Colina said that both officers self-isolated as soon as they experienced symptoms.

Costa Magica crew members that have reported symptoms of the virus, were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital on Thursday. The cruise ship has been anchored five miles off PortMiami and is expected to reach South Florida next week.

The Broward County Supervisor of Elections shared with WPLG Channel 10 on Thursday that two poll workers had tested positive for COVID-19. Both had been present for the March 17 voting, one at Precinct V011 in Hollywood and the other at Precinct V020 in Weston. 

Broward County issued a shelter-in-place order on Thursday. Exceptions will be made to essential businesses, and residents will still be allowed to report to work. The order took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. 

The Florida Department of Revenue announced on Thursday that the deadline for residents and businesses to pay their property taxes had been extended to April 15.

City of Fort Lauderdale officials shared with NBC 6 on Thursday that three more residents of a group home had died due to COVID-19. The assisted living facility now has a total of six deaths, and 16 residents who have tested positive.

NBC 6 reported on Thursday that an internal medicine doctor at Northwest Medical Center in Margate has died from the coronavirus. Dr. Alex Hsu was an internist at the center for 35 years. His death marks the first doctor in South Florida to die of complications of COVID-19.

On The Caplin News: Zoe Chin shares what sociologists are saying about people who are bulk buying due to the virus.

Mickaella is a senior at FIU, currently majoring in Journalism and looking forward to a Spring 2020 graduation. She was born in New Jersey but moved to Miami at the age of 7. Missing the fall foliage, winter snow and 24/7 deli’s, she plans to move back up north to New York after graduation and further enhance her career.