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News about coronavirus in Florida and around the world is constantly emerging. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida can help. Our responsibility is to keep you informed, and to help discern what’s important for your family as you make what could be life-saving decisions.

Sumter's 21% Positivity Linked To COVID-19 Cases At Coleman Prison

coleman prison building and sign
Joe Byrnes
/
The Florida Channel
A health department spokeswoman says cases from the Coleman prison are contributing to the county spike.

An increase in COVID-19 cases in Sumter County is tied to newly reported data Wednesday from the federal prison complex in Coleman.

But The Villages retirement community also added 20 cases, according to the state, as it prepares to revive its social life next week. 

The Villages will begin nightly concerts on the town squares and club activities in the recreation centers.

Sumter added 61 new positive tests on Tuesday and one additional death, bringing its death toll to 70. The positivity rate was 9.4% on Monday and more than 21% on Tuesday.

A Florida Department of Health spokeswoman says cases from Coleman are contributing to the spike.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons reports 257 active cases among prisoners there and 106 among staff. So far, three inmates have died.