Florida Records Highest Number Of Coronavirus Cases In One Day During Ominous Week

TOPLINE

Florida had its highest number of new coronavirus cases Thursday in a record-breaking week in terms of new case count, which Republican Gov. Ron Desantis blames on increased test capacity, as others worry it could be because the state aggressively reopened for business. 

KEY FACTS

Tangent

It’s unclear how the hospitals are faring as the state does not release information on hospitalized coronavirus patients.

News Peg

Jacksonville, where cases remain on the rise per New York Times, will be the spot where Trump plans to announce his acceptance of Republican presidential nomination in August. This will happen in front of a 15,000 person crowd at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Trump was originally holding this rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, but reportedly endured heated negotiations with the city’s democratic governor who wished to comply with coronavirus regulations, which do not recommend having a 15,000 person indoor event.

Key Background

Florida was one of the earliest states to reopen, allowing restaurants to resume operations with outdoor seating and 25% capacity restrictions. Miami-Dade County reopened hotels and beaches on June 1 with the former allowed to fill 100% room occupancy, though major tourist attractions like Orlando’s Walt Disney World are not set to open until July. 

Further Reading

Florida Coronavirus Map and Case Count (New York Times)

Trump to accept nomination in Jacksonville after moving most of convention out of Charlotte (CNN)

Florida Covid-19 cases soar in agricultural communities (Politico)

Florida Breaks Record For New Coronavirus Cases (Forbes)

Disney World Hopes To Reopen July 11—With New Precautions In Place (Forbes)