ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The delta variant surge was much worse and lasted longer than either of Orange County’s previous two COVID-19 waves, officials said.

August was far and away the deadliest month of the pandemic, with 410 lives taken. September was the second deadliest with 231 people losing their lives.

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It beats out the previous peaks of 228 in January of this year and 227 in July 2020.

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However, Orange County Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino said the death numbers should be dropping significantly soon.

Under Orange County’s vaccine mandate, 82% of its employees have been vaccinated. Of its nonunion employees, 89% have been vaccinated. After a recent bump, 75% of its union employees have now received the shot.

READ: Florida reaches 7-day COVID-19 positivity rate below 5% for first time in months

Despite the state’s threat to stop vaccine mandates and fine Orange County, Mayor Jerry Demings said it’s his responsibility to protect the employees who work for him.

READ: State investigating Central Florida businesses, venues for requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccine

Video: Orange County scales back COVID-19 vaccination sites as positive cases continue decline Health officials in Orlando shut down a COVID-19 vaccination site Friday at Camping World Stadium and moved operations across town. (WFTV)

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