Florida reports more than 10,000 new Covid-19 cases
Florida cases accounted for 20% of those recorded in the United States, which registered more than 50,000 daily infections for the first time on Wednesday.
The Florida Department of Health on Thursday announced another daily coronavirus record, reporting 10,109 new cases in the state during the previous 24-hour cycle, surpassing Saturday's high of 9,585. That brings Florida's total confirmed coronavirus cases to nearly 170,000 and a death toll of 3,617.
Over 50,000 cases in US for first time
The United States also brought up a grim new milestone on Wednesday, as the country added more than 50,000 new cases for the first time since the pandemic began in March. The country has seen more than 2.7 million Covid-19 cases and a total of over 128,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Arizona, California, Texas, North Carolina and Tennessee all saw some of their highest numbers as well on Wednesday and all of these states are now taking drastic measures to stop the spreading. Halsey Beshears, the secretary of Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation announced on Friday that drinking alcohol will be banned at bars, and some bars and beaches have closed.
DeSantis on Covid-19: "This thing just doesn't go away"
While some Florida localities have issued mandatory face covering orders, Florida Gov. Ron DeStantis has stopped short of issuing a statewide order. At DeSantis' direction, Florida has rolled back part of its reopening, last week closing all bars in the state to all but takeout business. Florida took that action as an increasing number of young people became infected with the virus and several bars closed voluntarily.
DeSantis believes these measures are reminding residents they need to be careful. "Now, people understand, this thing doesn't just go away. You can do a lot of things if you take some small precautions." The rising numbers of cases of coronavirus have raised questions about DeSantis' leadership and his close ties to President Trump, whom he consulted before allowing businesses to begin reopening.