Health News Florida

Lead Stories

State Hospitals Warn Of Cuts Without More Coronavirus Relief Funds

Of the $175 billion in federal CARES Act funding for hospitals that serve the nation's poorest people, about $50 billion has yet to be allocated. Those who represent Florida's safety net hospitals - charged with caring for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay - say they are counting on a greater share of that funding if they are to stay afloat.

Legal Battle Over Reopening Schools Advances

14 States Make Contact Tracing Data Public. Here's What They're Learning

Coronavirus 2020

Deadliest Week Yet In Florida Due To Coronavirus

By Kerry Sheridan • 15 hours ago

More people were reported to have died in Florida from coronavirus-related complications this week than any other week since the pandemic began.

At the same time, the statewide positive test rate remains double what global health experts consider safe for reopening.

Legal Battle Over Reopening Schools Advances

By Dara Kam - News Service of Florida • 15 hours ago

Siding with teachers unions, a Leon County circuit judge on Friday refused to toss out lawsuits challenging Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s mandate that school districts reopen classrooms this month.

How Should I Cover My Face? A Deeper Look Into Neck Gaiters And Face Shields

By Pranav Baskar • Aug 14, 2020

Each week, we answer "frequently asked questions" about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you'd like us to consider, email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line: "Weekly Coronavirus Questions."

Between face shields, neck gaiters and goggles, the options for protection are getting more complex. What face covering setup offers the best safeguard from the virus?

COVID-19 Lung Transplant Survivor Tells Her Story

By Christine Herman / Side Effects Public Media • Aug 14, 2020

Mayra Ramirez remembers the nightmares.

During six weeks on life support at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Ramirez said, she had terrifying nightmares that she couldn’t distinguish from reality.

“Most of them involve me drowning,” she said. “I attribute that to me not being able to breathe, and struggling to breathe.”

Winn-Dixie, Harveys Roll Out New Drug Delivery Service

By Cyd Hoskinson • Aug 14, 2020

Winn-Dixie and Harveys are offering a new contactless drug delivery service.

Waze Sees How Much South Floridians Are Driving During The Pandemic

By Caitlin Switalski • Aug 14, 2020

Our smartphones have noticed South Floridians are driving less during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Data from the navigation app, Waze, has been keeping track of how much less people are driving — and noticing that traffic is creeping back up.

7 New West Nile Cases Announced. Miami-Dade Passes 30 Residents Who’ve Contracted It

By editor • Aug 14, 2020

Miami-Dade County passed 30 West Nile virus cases as the Department of Health announced seven more.

On Thursday, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County announced seven more residents have contracted the mosquito-borne illness from local transmission. This brings the county’s total of West Nile virus cases this year to 33.

Winter Garden Student, 9, Tests Positive For Coronavirus

By Amy Green / WMFE • Aug 14, 2020

The Florida Department of Health in Orlando County reports that a 9-year-old child tested positive for the coronavirus at a private school in Winter Garden. It is the county’s first case in a school.

Doctors Warn Parents: Watch For Coronavirus Symptoms As Schools Opens

By Danielle Prieur / WMFE • Aug 14, 2020

As school reopens, an Orlando pediatrician says parents should ask their children about their school day for a whole different set of reasons during the coronavirus pandemic.

At a hospital briefing on Thursday, Dr. Michael Keating, a pediatric specialist with AdventHealth, advises parents to ask their kids about how the other students and teachers are doing when it comes to wearing facial coverings and social distancing.

Inmate Infections, Deaths Soar Amid Pleas For More Help

By Ana Ceballos / News Service of Florida • Aug 14, 2020

As the numbers of COVID-19 deaths and infections in prisons soar, workers, inmates and their loved ones continue to plead for help from the state.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday the Florida Department of Corrections, which is part of his administration, will continue to test and isolate symptomatic inmates. But he did not outline any other measures under consideration to prevent infections among inmates and staff members.