Coronavirus Update: WHO warns virus may be here to stay and South Florida plans reopening

Today is Thursday, May 14 and Florida has the ninth greatest number of coronavirus deaths in the nation — even though it is the third-largest state by population. The World Health Organization warned on Wednesday that the novel coronavirus “may never go away,” according to the BBC. Mike Ryan, the head of WHO’s health emergencies program, noted that we’ve failed to control outbreaks of diseases that already have vaccines, such as measles. 

Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced on Wednesday that a plan for phase 1 of reopening that includes several nonessential businesses and community facilities has been submitted to Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval. It is aimed to take effect May 18. Mayor Carlos Gimenez says all recommendations have been “approved by doctors and medical experts.” The “New Normal Guide” is available for all to view here.

 

Broward County is following suit on May 18 reopening plans, and Palm Beach County is following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ issued order to implement Phase 1 of Florida’s recovery. While the Broward plan allows fewer people into restaurants, that could change, according to the Miami Herald.

Gov. Ron DeSantis held a meeting on long-term care facilities at the Florida State Capitol on Wednesday, wherein he assured that plans were in place to protect employees and residents and urged staff to get tested. DeSantis believes that eventually allowing visitation from family could benefit the elderly in nursing homes. He has, however, declined to require testing in these facilities as some experts have suggested.

Local10 reported on Wednesday that 293 long-term care facility residents and staff in Miami-Dade and Broward have died.

County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava released a statement last Thursday criticizing her colleagues for refusing to back her proposal to provide paid sick leave to county contract employees. She called it a disregard for the health of workers and said it was “shameful” and “irresponsible”.

On the Caplin News: Abraham Mendoza writes about nursing students volunteering at coronavirus testing sites.

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Beatriz is a broadcast media major at Florida International University and is the managing editor for Caplin News. She aspires to become a documentarian.

Andrea Igliozzi is a journalist originally from Caracas, Venezuela. From politics to arts, she has a passion for telling well-founded stories through video and multimedia platforms. She is qualified in front and behind the cameras.