Florida breaks daily record for new virus cases

(CN) — Florida is once again the nation’s epicenter of coronavirus infections after breaking records for new cases and hospitalizations over the weekend.

On Saturday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported 13,435 hospitalizations for Covid-19 in the state – the highest since last July. By Monday, the number grew to nearly 14,000. Coronavirus patients occupy one in four hospital beds in Florida, the data shows, more than any other state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 28,317 new cases in Florida on Monday, the most in a single day since the pandemic began and the fourth time in as many days that the Sunshine State topped its record of new infections.

The weekly numbers are bleaker: Florida has the highest number of new coronavirus cases in a seven-day period of any state, according to CDC data. The state recorded 157,388 cases last week, nearly doubling the 88,310 cases in Texas, which has the second-highest number.

“Covid-19 hospitalizations in Florida have doubled in the last two weeks, with younger healthier individuals getting Covid-19 and being hospitalized,” said Mary C. Mayhew, CEO of the Florida Hospital Association, adding that less than 1% of those are vaccinated individuals. “The Covid-19 vaccination is clearly a lifesaver.”

Florida Department of Health records show 63% of Floridians aged 12 and older have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, compared to the nation’s average of 71%.

That places the state in the middle of the country for vaccination rates, yet the virus is spreading rapidly among Florida’s population, fueled by the highly contagious nature of the new delta variant and those reluctant to receive a vaccination.

The surge in cases has placed the Sunshine State, and its Republican governor, firmly in the national spotlight.

As coronavirus infections rose in July, President Joe Biden told GOP governors to “get out of the way” and stop banning mask mandates, prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to tell reporters, “I don’t want to hear blip about Covid from [Biden].”

The Democratic president hit back last week when asked about DeSantis’ comments.

“Governor who?” Biden quipped.

While urging Floridians to get vaccinated, DeSantis has also consistently refused to institute a statewide mask mandate, even signing legislation prohibiting local leaders from enforcing any such measures.

But after the CDC recommended two weeks ago that all individuals, vaccinated or not, wear masks in indoor public spaces, counties throughout the state attempted workarounds, such as requiring face coverings in government buildings and compelling employees to receive vaccinations. Many businesses in the state, large and small, have followed suit.  

The latest surge comes as many Florida schools begin classes this week, creating another flashpoint over mask mandates.

Last month, DeSantis signed an executive order prohibiting school from requiring students to wear a mask and threatened to defund any school district that defies it. Doubling down, the Florida Board of Education – made up of all DeSantis appointees -- subsequently passed a rule allowing vouchers for students who want to transfer schools due to mask requirements.

“When the wellbeing of our students and our constitutional freedoms are at stake, we will stand up for Florida families,” DeSantis said in a statement after the voucher announcement. “Giving parents options to make these decisions is not controversial. I’m proud that today we took action to make sure school administrators respect parents’ rights to make educational and health care decisions for their families.”

In defiance, several school districts convened emergency meetings in recent days and voted to require students and staff to wear masks for the first month of classes.

“Just as he has asked for flexibility and autonomy for the state of Florida, I too believe we have that right as constitutional officers in our own municipality to have that same consideration offered to us,” Leon County School Superintendent Rocky Hanna said at a press conference Monday in Tallahassee, the state’s capital, after instituting a mask requirement.

“Why wouldn’t you err on the side of caution,” Hanna said. “I know it may be a burden to some, but at the end of the day the goal is to keep our children out of the hospital.”

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