Monday’s Coronavirus Updates: Department of Health reports 41 new cases in SWFL

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Coronavirus updates

As of 6 p.m. Monday, there have been 5,704 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida. The case count includes 5,489 Florida residents and 215 non-Florida residents. There are currently 71 deaths reported, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The most recent FDOH data shows a COVID-19 patient in DeSoto County died – a 91-year-old Florida resident who hadn’t traveled or had contact with a known positive case.

STATEWIDE NUMBERS

Total number of cases: 5,704 (up from 5,473)
Deaths: 71 (up from 63)

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA NUMBERS

Lee County: 171 (up from 164) – 7 new
Collier County: 127 (up from 119) – 8 new
Charlotte County: 20 (up from 18) – 2 new
DeSoto County: 7 (no change)
Glades County: 3 (no change)
Hendry County: 3 (no change)

Click HERE for a SWFL case-by-case breakdown – updated daily.

There have been 55,516 total tests administered in the state of Florida, with 5,704 positive tests. 49,796 tests have come back negative, and the remainder is pending, according to the FDOH website.

NOW HIRING: SWFL companies adding jobs as business picks up amid coronavirus crisis

LATEST CLOSURES: Southwest Florida business updates and store closings


MONDAY COVID-19 HEADLINES


WATCH MONDAY’S NEWS CONFERENCES:

  • 9:30 a.m. Lee County Board of County Commissioners meeting — WATCH HERE 
  • 10:15 a.m. Governor DeSantis briefing — WATCH HERE
  • 5 p.m. White House Coronavirus Task Force daily briefing


Charlotte County senior living community says two members positive for COVID-19

South Port Square senior living community in Charlotte Harbor confirms Monday two of its residents have tested positive for the coronavirus while being cared for at local hospitals.

South Port Square shared in a statement, the health and safety of our employees and residents is our top priority; therefore, we enhanced our internal processes and protocols at the onset of this health crisis to better protect our community. We will remain flexible as this crisis evolves to ensure we are following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We will adapt as these issues continue to evolve, and new challenges arise. We are providing all our residents and employees, as well as appropriate local, county, and state health agencies with regular updates.


All Florida public school will remain closed through May 1

The commissioner of the Florida Department of Education has directed all public schools in Florida to continue to be closed through May 1.


Naples extends public beach closures through April

City of Naples announced Monday its public beach closures and restrictions will continue through April 30.

This is a confirmed extension that updates the original closure to all public beaches that originally went from March 18 to March 30.

March 23, the city also confirmed all public parks would remain closed through April 30.

For City of Naples residents, emergency management has activated a COVID-19 hotline — (239) 213-4902 — that will be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall suspends more shows

The performing arts hall said in a statement: “As we navigate the escalating and continually evolving COVID-19 situation, out of an abundance of caution, the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall has suspended presentation of the following performances through May 1.”


Fort Myers Beach suspends reservations

The Town of Fort Myers Beach voted Monday to suspend reservations in the town for 90 days in response to the virus outbreak.

This is a different measure from the Governor DeSantis’ order last week that allowed hotels to stay open. The council is going further to prevent the COVID-19 by saying there will be no reservations for 90 days for hotels, inns, and resorts.

Last week, Sanibel Island enacted a similar 28-day suspension, also for all hotels, inns, and resorts.


Lee County happy with public cooperation, passes emergency resolution

On Monday, the commission unanimously passed an emergency resolution that would adopt the Florida Surgeon Generals public health advisory of March, 25, aimed to protect the vulnerable populations of Lee County and provide more guidance for those who have flu-like symptoms, recommending they stay home. It also addresses reducing workplace density. The resolution is not a shelter-in-place order. MORE


IF YOU FEEL SICK:

The Florida Department of Health has opened a 24-hour COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.

LINK: Florida Department of Health COVID-19 updates

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