Another 278 Manatee residents test positive for COVID. Florida almost sets a new record
With Florida nearly breaking the record for new COVID-19 cases reported in a day, another 278 people in Manatee County have tested positive. Another county resident has died from COVID-19.
The number of reported infections in Manatee County now totals 24,278 since the start of the pandemic.
Across the state, there were 19,530 new cases reported Friday, according to the Florida Department of Health. That was just shy of the daily record set Thursday, when 19,816 new cases were reported.
Infections in Florida, now total 1,449,252 since March.
The official local death toll now stands at 439.
Statewide, the latest deaths reported include 185 residents and nine non-residents. According to the official death tolls, there have been 22,666 residents and 345 non-residents killed by COVID-19.
The new cases reported Friday were among 2,811 test results released Friday, with a 9% test positivity rate.
Hospitalizations continue to rise in Florida with 7,409 patients admitted in hospitals with COVID-19 as a primary diagnosis and reason for admission, according to the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration. In Manatee County, there were 76 patients admitted because of COVID-19, according to the state.
Manatee County’s three general hospitals — Blake Medical Center, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and Manatee Memorial Hospital — had 72 available beds, including 12 ICU beds. Those figures do not account for available staffing.
As of Thursday, there were 443,616 people who have been vaccinated in the state, including 9,304 people in Manatee County.
Surrounding counties
- Sarasota County cases increased from 20,512 to 20,774. The death toll rose from 514 to 539.
- Desoto County cases increased from 3,047 to 3,066. The death toll rose from 58 to 61.
- Hardee County cases increased from 2,216 to 2,240. The death toll remained at 21.
- Hillsborough County cases increased from 83,574 to 84,714. The death toll increased from 1,110 to 1,118.
- Pinellas County cases increased from 48,998 to 49,771. The death toll increased from 1,114 to 1,117.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This story was originally published January 8, 2021 at 2:58 PM.
