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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.

Florida Reports Lowest Positivity Rate In Over Six Months

 25 deaths were recorded in the greater Tampa Bay region, including 8 in Polk County. 
Florida reported 4,165 people tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing Florida's total to 2,262,598 cases.

While 89 more people have died due to complications from the virus, the positivity rate remained below 5% for the second consecutive day.

The positivity rate for new coronavirus cases in Florida fell below 5% for the second consecutive day — and at its lowest number in more than six months.

The Florida Department of Health on Friday said the positivity rate was 4.7% for 111,951 tests received.

The last time the positivity rate was that low was Oct. 24, 2020, when the state reported a rate of 3.68%.

Friday's rate comes a day after it fell to 4.99%, its the lowest since March 12.

Florida reported 4,165 people tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing Florida's total to 2,262,598 cases.

The state recorded the deaths of 89 people due to complications from COVID-19 since Thursday's report, bringing the overall death toll to 36,346 people.
As of Thursday afternoon, the state reported 2,848 people were being treated at hospitals in Florida because of the virus.

State Totals (as of Friday, May 7)

  • Positive Tests – 2,262,598 | Deaths – 36,346

Daily Changes:

  • State: Positive Tests – 4,165 | Deaths – 89
  • Greater Tampa Bay region: Positive Tests – 873| Deaths – 25

Daily Testing (statewide):

  • Tests Received – 111,951 | Positivity Rate – 4.70%

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:

  • May 7: 4,165/89
  • May 6: 4,504/73
  • May 5: 4,393/82
  • May 4: 3,682/93
  • May 3: 3,075/41
  • May 2: 3,841/31
  • May 1: 5,419/79
  • April 30: 5,306/81
  • April 29: 5,666/55
  • April 28: 5,178/76
  • April 27: 5,271/46
  • April 26: 3,513/66
  • April 25: 4,671/37
  • April 24: 7,411/54

Copyright 2021 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7

Cathy Carter is the education reporter for WUSF 89.7 and StateImpact Florida.