Florida
‘This is not gone’: COVID-19 cases on the rise across Florida
COVID-19 circumstances proceed to rise
Ken Suarez stories
LAKELAND, Fla. – The variety of COVID-19 circumstances in Florida is on the rise. Based on the Florida Division of Well being, one out of 5 folks being examined in Florida is optimistic for COVID-19. In Polk County, it’s nearer to 1 out of 4.
“Meaning transmission could be very excessive,” Dr. Hal Escowitz of Lakeland Regional Well being, informed FOX 13. “It’s a contagious virus. It’s a very hearty virus. It replicates very nicely. It is rather proof against the physique’s innate defenses and vaccination.”
Even with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, you possibly can nonetheless catch BA.5, a COVID-19 Omicron subvariant.
COVID-19 omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 may very well be ‘worst’ to date, docs say
Though it’s not as virulent as earlier variants, in accordance with individuals who have struggled with it, it’s no stroll within the park.
“I really feel like my sinuses have been competing with Niagara Falls. It was unhealthy,” mentioned Kimberly Moore. “I took lots of NyQuil and a few Sudafed. It actually hasn’t gone into my chest, and I’m grateful for that.”
Dr. Escowitz mentioned Lakeland Regional Well being has had a pair sufferers within the ICU on ventilators. Escowitz advises that in excessive transmission areas, corresponding to Polk and Hillsborough counties, persons are ultra-vigilant, and put on a masks in indoor public locations and in crowds.
“I believe it is very important perceive this isn’t gone,” he saidd.