Impact: Stats on how the novel coronavirus is affecting Florida

The novel coronavirus has brought a halt to life as we know it here in Florida and, as the number of cases continues to rise, normalcy will not be returning anytime soon.

In recent days, the number of confirmed cases has skyrocketed in the United States, with states such as New York and California being the hardest hit. However, with Florida’s aging population and the recent influx of spring breakers, experts are warning Floridians that the state could be the next hotspot. On April 1, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a statewide stay-at-home order, a reversal of his earlier stance.

During this time the Caplin News will be tracking the virus’ impact in Florida.

Overview

Trend Over Time

Florida documented its first COVID-19 case in early March. Since then the numbers have continued to rise.

 

Overall Trend:

DeSantis said the number of confirmed cases in Florida is expected to continue to increase, as more testing sites are opened around the state.

New Cases by Day 

Confirmed Cases by County

On March 6, Florida recorded its first coronavirus deaths. They were the first deaths in the U.S outside of California and Washington.

Who Has Died

With Florida being home to almost four million people over the age of 65, the state is in a vulnerable position, because COVID-19 is far more likely to be deadly to those over the age of 60 and those with underlying health problems.

Statewide Restrictions

In an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the state has put in place restrictions such as asking people to avoid gathering in groups larger than 10 and requested nonessential businesses to close.

On Monday DeSantis also announced a “safer-at-home” executive order, which is strongly encouraging people in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade to stay home if they can.

“It gets all four counties operating under the same sheet of music,” DeSantis said in a press conference.

County officials are also taking it upon themselves to impose restrictions for their residents, hoping to slow down the rate of transmission.

County Restrictions

Monroe County has taken its restrictions one step further by only allowing residents or active workers into the Florida Keys. 24-hour checkpoints have been set up going southbound at mile marker 112.5 on the 18-Mile Stretch and on Card Sound Road.

Miami-Dade County Curfews

Multiple South Florida mayors have urged residents to stay home if they are nonessential workers. Below is a list of cities in Miami-Dade that are also imposing curfews.

Cities with a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am:

Key Biscayne
Homestead
Miami
Miami Gardens
North Bay Village
North Miami Beach

Cities with a curfew from 11 pm to 5 am:

Coconut Creek
Coral Gables
Hallandale
Hialeah
Miami Beach
Sunny Isles Beach
Sweetwater

Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Imogen Francis now studies journalism at Florida International University. She was a staff news writer at the student newspaper PantherNow and has experience writing about the LGBTQ community, women's rights and politics.