Orlando, Orange County mayors urge locals to celebrate July 4 safely to avoid another spike in COVID-19 cases

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County leaders said Monday that they’re hoping to avoid another spike in COVID-19 cases after July 4, similar to what happened following Memorial Day.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said he hopes with people now more aware of the risk, with 10,000 cases of the virus so far in the county, and the mandatory mask ordinance in place, that people will take the necessary precautions.

Fireworks events across Central Florida have been canceled to avoid large gatherings where the virus could spread. In phase 2 of Florida’s reopening plan, gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited.

READ: Orange County surpasses 10,000 total COVID-19 cases as Florida reports statewide increase of 5,200 cases, 28 deaths

On Monday, Orange County reported an increase of 343 new COVID-19 cases, which is the lowest daily increase the county has seen in a week.

The county reports that more than 134,000 people have been tested for the virus, and that the county currently has a positivity rate of 7.5%.

READ: Keeping track of Central Florida face mask mandates

Officials said the median age of those testing positive is 30 years old, which is younger than the state average of 34.

Orange County Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino said the county currently has a total of 193 people hospitalized with COVID-19, including 27 people are in the ICU.

Demings said Monday that the county temporarily closed its Animal Services Department until at least tomorrow after several staff members tested positive.

Video: Orange Co. surpasses 10,000 total COVID-19 cases as Florida reports increase of 5,200 cases A week ago, on June 22, Orange County had only 5,157 cases of the virus.

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