Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
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.

Florida Coronavirus Cases Rise For Third Straight Day

The Florida Department of Health publishes a daily dashboard of coronavirus across the state.
The Florida Department of Health publishes a daily dashboard of coronavirus across the state.

Wednesday’s report from the Department of Health showed the positivity rate remained stable at 6.42%, in the 6% range it's been for the past week.

Across Florida, a total of 7,342 people have tested positive for the coronavirus since Tuesday, an increase in positive tests for the third day in a row, state health officials said Wednesday.

Wednesday’s report from the Florida Department of Health showed the positivity rate remained stable at 6.42%, in the 6% range it's been for the past week.

Hospitalizations fell by 186 across the state and are at the lowest level since Dec. 6.

Deaths from COVID-19 related complications statewide rose by 165 since Tuesday's report.


State Totals (as of Wednesday, Feb. 17):

  • Positive Tests – 1,844,627
  • Deaths – 29,824

Daily Changes:

  • State: Positive Tests – 7,342 | Deaths – 165

  • Greater Tampa Bay Region: Positive Tests – 1,577 | Deaths - 50

Daily Testing (statewide):

  • Tests Received – 134,136 | Positivity Rate – 6.42%

ABOUT THE DATA: The Florida Department of Health produces a daily update around 11 a.m. with information about COVID-19 cases and deaths that were reported over the previous 24 hours. Cases and deaths in the report may have happened days or weeks earlier, according to state officials. The state separately tracks cases and deaths that occurred on specific days on its dashboard and those totals are frequently updated.

Florida COVID-19 daily total of positive tests/deaths for the last two weeks:

  • Feb. 17: 7,342/165
  • Feb. 16: 6,297/225
  • Feb. 15: 3,615/159
  • Feb. 14: 5,436/96
  • Feb. 13: 7,515/118
  • Feb. 12: 7,617/190
  • Feb. 11: 8,525/180
  • Feb. 10: 7,537/165
  • Feb. 9: 7,023/239
  • Feb. 8: 5,737/126
  • Feb. 7: 6,624/103
  • Feb. 6: 7,486/145
  • Feb. 5: 11,543/215
  • Feb. 4: 7,711/226

Copyright 2021 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7

Kerry Sheridan is a reporter and co-host of All Things Considered at WUSF Public Media.