Florida Surpasses 1 Million Positive Coronavirus Cases

FLORIDA — With 8,632 new COVID-19 cases reported by Florida’s Department of Health Monday, the state has surpassed the 1 million mark. According to the DOH dashboard, Florida has recorded 1,008,166 positive coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic.

Only two other states – California and Texas – have reached this milestone. According to the New York Times, California has 1.24 million total cases and Texas has 1.26 million total cases.

There have also been nearly 19,000 COVID-19 deaths in Florida as of Tuesday morning, including residents and non-residents, according to the DOH. Florida’s positivity rate, currently at 8.69 percent, also continues to increase, as does the number of hospitalizations. The DOH reported that 55,197 Florida residents have been hospitalized with COVID-19 since March.

Miami-Dade County leads the state with nearly 231,761 total cases, 3,839 deaths and 8,631 hospitalizations as of Tuesday morning.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced Monday that she and her husband are among those in the county who have tested positive for coronavirus. Meanwhile, Carlos Gimenez, the previous mayor and representative-elect for the District 26 U.S. House seat, announced on Thanksgiving Day that he and his wife have COVID-19.

Florida surpassed 1 million COVID-19 cases just one day after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that he’ll keep public schools open despite some parents and teachers urging him to close them as coronavirus cases increase throughout the state.