Sunday marked the end of Florida’s deadliest week on record since the coronavirus pandemic hit the state.
The Florida Department of Health reported 595 new cases of the novel coronavirus from Saturday to Sunday, bringing the state’s overall number of infections to 40,596. Since last Monday morning, the state has reported an average of 55 new deaths every day.
State issues order for nursing home testing
The state agency that regulates long-term care facilities issued an executive order Sunday demanding that when the Florida Department of Health arrives to test staff and residents for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, everyone must submit to testing — even staff that may not be in the building at the time. Facilities that fail to comply could face fines or have their licenses revoked.
Salons and barbershops reopen today
Starting today, barbershops, hair salons and nail salons will be allowed to reopen in most of Florida. Here are some answers to questions you might have, such as what measures businesses must follow and what precautions you should take.
Cancer network that bilked patients get COVID-19 aid
A Fort Myers-based oncology network that was Florida’s largest recipient of federal coronavirus relief dollars for healthcare facilities admitted last week to participating in a criminal conspiracy that limited treatment options available to cancer patients in order to maximize profits.
Florida Cancer Specialists, which employs 250 doctors in 100 facilities across Florida, admitted that it worked with unnamed co-conspirators to limit cancer treatment options for patients. The network agreed to pay a $100 million federal fine and a $20 million state fine.
Tampa military conference goes virtual
The coronavirus pandemic has prompted U.S. Special Operations Command to move its annual Tampa vendors conference online. The Special Operations Forces Industry Conference, originally set to be held at the Tampa Convention, begins today.
Coronavirus in Florida podcast: Are we testing correctly?
Pinellas and Hillsborough counties have expanded COVID-19 testing, but an expert on the latest episode of the Coronavirus in Florida podcast says it’s not just the volume of testing that’s important. Dr. Marc Yacht, who served as the director of the Pasco County Health Department for 20 years, says the way we are testing must evolve.
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Tampa Bay Times coronavirus coverage
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