OCCC COVID-19 testing site to reopen after closing for Tropical Storm Isaias

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Coronavirus cases in Florida were down Monday while testing sites were closed over the weekend in anticipation of Tropical Storm Isaias.

The Orange County Convention Center testing site reopened Tuesday morning as the number of cases reported Monday was a lot lower than what the Florida Department of Health has announced lately.

While it is good that the numbers are low, testing sites were put on hold while Central Florida waited for a potential tropical storm. Thus, the latest numbers could be misleading.

Read: Health officials encouraging multigenerational families to wear masks in home

As of Monday, there were 4,752 new positive coronavirus cases, which is fewer than half of the new cases that were reported two days ago.

Two Sundays ago, Florida conducted more than 70,000 tests. One week ago, more than 85,000 tests were conducted. And Monday there were about 31,000 tests conducted.

Read: Florida officials urge Gov. DeSantis to issue statewide mask mandate

There was a drop in the number of new coronavirus-related deaths over the last few days.

AdventHealth reported it sees a “slight” decrease in hospitalizations.

Orange County health officer Dr. Raul Pino said the lower numbers helped his team conduct better contact tracing, which can help reduce the spread of the virus.

Read: Orange County mask mandate may last until there’s a COVID-19 vaccine, likely in spring, health officer says

Pino also said to be prepared to see masks stick around. He believes Floridians will be wearing masks into the spring.

Starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, anyone over the age of five with COVID-19 symptoms can get tested.

Anyone 18 years or older is eligible for an antibody test and can get tested for the coronavirus regardless of symptoms.

READ: Where COVID-19 testing is available in Central Florida

Cox Media Group