As the COVID-19 outbreak has become a global pandemic, uniting the world with one singular concern, governments of every nation are doing what they must to protect their citizens. Here in the United States, due to our many layers of government, the response to the crisis comes from the federal, state, and local authorities. Information is fast moving and fluid, thus it is important to stay informed at all levels.
The World Health Organization (WHO), leads the global response to the pandemic. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leads the federal response, while the Florida Department of Health (FLDOH), carries out the State of Florida’s mandate to protect the health of its residents and guests.
According to FLDOH, as of April 2, 2020 at 6:44pm, there were 9,008 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in the State of Florida. There have been 144 Florida resident deaths confirmed that have been attributed to the virus. Every county in the state has reported at least one positive case. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are reporting the most confirmed positive cases and deaths due to this virus.
The data so far shows that people of all age ranges are being hospitalized with this virus, however people aged 25-74 are being hospitalized in higher numbers. The death rate does seem to increase with age with people between 75-84 years slightly higher than the ranges before and after. Of the number of positive cases in the state, 52% are men, 46% are women and 2% unknown. Throughout the state, emergency departments have been seeing a marked increase in the daily admissions of patients whose chief complaints are cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
The FLDOH wants you to “call your health care provider or your county health department if you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath and returned from international travel or a cruise in the last 14 days.” The COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 to answer all your questions: 1866-779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov. To speak with a healthcare provider at Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic to assess any non-emergency health concerns, including suspected COVID-19 symptoms, please call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911. For coronavirus updates and resources, please visit our website at www.primarymed.com.
Source: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/#latest-stats