ATLANTA – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend all Americans who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations to take advantage of the free vaccinations, widely available free …
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ATLANTA – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend all Americans who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations to take advantage of the free vaccinations, widely available free through pharmacies and health departments – in many places with no appointment needed.
The CDC also continues to recommend that those who have not yet been vaccinated wear face masks and maintain 6 feet of space from others not in your immediate household, to prevent the spread of the virus.
Stores and businesses continue to have the right to require customers wear face masks if the business owner so chooses, just as a business has the right to require customers to wear a shirt or shoes.
The CDC also advises those with other health issues that may compromise their immune systems consult with their doctors about appropriate precautions even if they are fully vaccinated.
Masks are still required on public transportation including airports, buses and trains. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mask requirement extends through Sept. 13, 2021.
As of June 1, FDOH reports a total 94,930 Floridians have been hospitalized due to COVID-19. According to the Agency for Health Care Administration, as of June 1, the number of residents currently hospitalized for COVID-19 in South Central Florida included:
• Collier: 46
• Glades County: 0;
• Hendry County: 0;
• Highlands County: 18;
According to the Florida Department of Health, as of June 1, statewide, 10,213,280 have received at least one dose of vaccine. In South Central Florida, those who have received at least one dose of vaccine include:
• Collier - 209,554;
• Glades County - 4,740;
• Hendry County - 12,624;
• Highlands County - 45,916;
• Martin County - 81,137;
• Okeechobee County - 12,524;
• Palm Beach County - 737,131.
As of June 1, 36,774 Floridians have died related to COVID-19. COVID-19 deaths in South Central Florida include:
• Collier County: 544;
• Glades County: 19;
• Hendry County: 86;
Positive cases to date in Florida as of June 1 totaled 2,277,470. COVID-19 positive cases in South Central Florida as of June 1 were:
• Collier County: 37,009;
• Glades County: 980;
• Hendry County: 4,857;
• Highlands County: 8,767;
• Martin County: 12,680;
• Okeechobee County: 4,162;
• Palm Beach County: 148,277.
Those who survived COVID-19 may have some immunity to the virus, according to health officials. But determining what percentage of the population now has some immunity is difficult for several reasons. Some people who had COVID-19 have also been vaccinated. Some people who were vaccinated in Florida were winter residents who are not counted in the census population. Some people who had COVID-19 had no or only mild symptoms, did not seek medical help and were not tested.
The CDC continues to recommend everyone wash their hands frequently (at least five times a day) and thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if hand washing facilities are not available. Not only will this help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it will also help prevent the spread of other viruses and bacteria. Thanks to masking and other precautions, health officials reported very few cases of colds and flu last winter.