Florida sees spike in COVID cases as hospitalizations rise

MIAMI — (AP) — Florida is seeing a sharp rise in coronavirus infections as the omicron variant rages through the state.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 58,000 new cases for Wednesday and revised its tallies to add thousands of cases to the daily counts of previous days, setting new pandemic records.

READ: Central Florida hospitals beginning to feel omicron surge

The new CDC estimate raises the 7-day average in Florida to more than 36,400 new cases. The number was at around 26,600 at the peak of the summer surge in August, which was fueled by the delta variant.

In Miami-Dade County, where cases have been concentrated, one out four people are testing positive for the virus.

Because of the surge, Miami-Dade County Public Schools said that, starting Monday, all employees, volunteers and visitors will be required to wear face coverings at schools and facilities, and students will be strongly encouraged to wear them.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law in November a measure that prevents school districts from imposing mask mandates for students.

Face coverings also will be required for spectators at all school sporting events under the policy announced Thursday.

The U.S. Health and Human Services Department says Florida hospitals were treating about 4,000 COVID-19 patients on Thursday, compared to 3,400 the previous day. Those numbers are still well below the 17,000 hospitalized patients seen during the summer.

READ: Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect omicron variant accurately? FDA to study

The Florida Hospital Association said on Wednesday that hospitals are facing “the strain of workforce challenges.”

“ERs are being put under increased pressure to provide care,” the group posted on social media.

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