Today is Monday, April 20 and The United States death toll has reached over 40,000, with 507 New Yorkers dying over the past 24 hours.
With over 770 deaths, Florida now holds 3.7% of the country’s infected population. This data marks the state as eighth in confirmed cases.
Miami-Dade County officials announced on Sunday that Mayor Carlos Gimenez will be conducting a virtual town hall to seek input from residents on reopening plans. The meeting will start at 4 p.m. and end at 5:30 p.m.
Gimenez also clarified on Sunday afternoon that beaches in the county are still closed.
I’ve seen a lot of buzz on social media from people who think beaches in Miami-Dade County are opening up. This is not the case. Although we’re consulting with medical experts on the future opening of public spaces, there is currently no timeline for opening beaches.
— Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez (@MayorGimenez) April 19, 2020
City of Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina tested positive for COVID-19 last Friday. Colina has self-isolated with mild symptoms and believes he will make a full recovery. Deputy Chief Ronald Papier will serve as interim police chief.
A TSA agent at Miami International Airport died due to complications of COVID-19, officials announced late Sunday evening. Victor Chung was 65 and had been working for the airport for 17 years. Chung was known for opening the first-in-line baggage system.
An Oasis of the Seas crew member died on Saturday according to a recording obtained by the Herald. Dexter Joyosa was originally from the Philippines and had been employed by Royal Caribbean as a bartender since 2012. His death was announced by the ship’s captain on Sunday over the intercom.
State officials announced on Sunday that the Hard Rock testing site will now be able to test up to 750 people a day. This is the second expansion implemented since the age requirement was lowered.
The testing site at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines will now screen residents 18 years or older with symptoms. The site is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Those wishing to get tested must pre-register. This is the second site in the state that has lowered its age requirements for screening.
Local 10 reported on Sunday that the Florida National Guard will plan to test every nursing home employee in the state. According to General James Eifert, the plan was implemented in order to reduce the spread of the virus among the elderly.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Saturday that all schools in the state will continue remote learning for the remainder of the academic year.
Florida has made great progress with distance learning so we will continue with that for the remainder of the k-12 school year. Keeping our children and families safe is a priority. pic.twitter.com/WObufXehTA
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 19, 2020
DeSantis also released the list of long-term care facilities in the state that have confirmed COVID-19 cases. According to the report, out of the 129 on the list, Miami-Dade holds 54, Broward has 39 and Palm Beach is at 36.
On The Caplin News: Alexandra Yun writes about the pressures students are facing as they continue remote learning amid the pandemic.
Tweet of the day:
One thing I’ve been able to spend more time doing during quarantine is looking at different angles of my back fat in the mirror
— andy lassner (@andylassner) April 19, 2020
