New coronavirus cases in Florida cause concern in SWFL

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This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (orange) — also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19 —isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells (green) cultured in the lab. (NIAID-RML)

Several officials are speaking out on Monday following the announcement by Gov. Ron DeSantis declaring Florida in a state of emergency. The designation was issued as the dreaded new coronavirus is officially in the Sunshine State and the COVID-19 strain is not far from Southwest Florida.

The declaration comes after two presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in the state were confirmed by Centers for Disease and Prevention. One in Hillsborough and the other in Manatee County. Both are adult residents in Florida, and only one had recently traveled out of the country, during a trip to Italy.

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