Average age of new Florida COVID-19 cases only 21 as state’s infection rate continues to climb, governor says

THE VILLAGES, Fla. — The average age for those testing positive for COVID-19 in Florida is now only 21, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday in an update in The Villages.

He said the younger age of those testing positive is contributing to lower mortality rates from the virus across the state. The fatality rate in Florida is currently less than 2%.

Read: Florida reports more than 6,300 new COVID-19 cases, 47 deaths including 13 in Central Florida

DeSantis said the positivity rate for testing is going up, which is a sign that the virus is becoming more prevalent making things like social distancing and wearing a mask still important. The positivity rate is now near 15%, when it was previously as low as 2% in May.

DeSantis has stated that he doesn’t plan to issue a statewide mandate.

“There’s no need to really be fearful about it,” he said.

DeSantis said people age 65 and older should continue to avoid crowds and minimize contact with people outside of their home. He said the same applies to people with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, asthma, kidney disease, obesity, heart conditions and sickle cell disease.

Read: Coronavirus: Hundreds of scientists say virus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations

On Monday, Florida reported more than 6,300 new cases of the virus, which was down from over the weekend when the state hit a single-day record reporting more than 11,000 cases in 24 hours.

Reporters questioned the governor on when and if he may considering closing theme parks, as many have reopened and Walt Disney World’s reopening looms.

He said he is confident that Disney will provide a safe environment for guests.

“I think that where you start to see the spread is in social situations where people let their guard down,” DeSantis said. “Usually at like a private party or something like that.”

Watch DeSantis’ full news conference below:

Video: Volusia County to supply 7,000 PPE kits to local businesses The county is using CARES Act funds to give back to the community by giving masks and other personal protective equipment to small businesses.

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