:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/C4NJFY5DVNCD5KJDX6D3O27EYY.jpg "Florida’s positivity rate drops as state launches new COVID-19 vaccine system")
ORLANDO, Fla. The Florida Department of Health reported more than 12,000 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday when it tested its new telephone vaccination system.
The FDOH has launched a pilot program of the system in an effort to support local provinces with the huge demand for coronavirus vaccines. It’s a system that has been alluded to by Governor Ron DeSantis over the past few weeks, as he has traversed the country and expanded Pubix’s vaccination program, saying the hotline is part of the state’s strategy to put ‘seniors first’.
According to the tweet from Broward’s health department, people 65 and older, as well as medical health professionals, can call (866) 201-6313 to request an appointment. Those with hearing impairments can call (833) 476-1526.
News 6 called the number to see how the hotline works.
The system provides directions in English and Spanish. An automated voice asks the caller a series of questions to see if they are eligible, and asks callers whether they are health workers or 65 or older.
People are also asked to enter their date of birth, phone number and zip code so that the hotline can help connect the caller to a nearby vaccination site. If no vaccine is available, the automated voice says it will dial the entered number when vaccination is available in the caller’s area.
Government officials said a telephone system is more suitable for the elderly, who are less accustomed to web-based technology and need more help.
As the hotline continues to be formally launched, Florida is working to ensure that the vaccines are for residents only.
In a two-page opinion, signed by Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, the state Department of Health noted that the “vaccine remains scarce in the United States and the availability of vaccine in Florida is extremely limited.”
As a result, Rivkees has issued a public health opinion giving Floridians a preference for COVID-19 vaccine in Florida. ‘
This means that vaccine providers must confirm whether a recipient of a shot is a permanent or seasonal resident by submitting a driving license or a number of other documents, including leases and utility bills as set out by the state health department.
Click here to find out if you are eligible for a vaccine in Florida.
[READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Virus death toll surpasses 25,000 amid Florida’s rollout of COVID-19 vaccine system]
Incidents
The Florida Department of Health on Saturday reported 12,157 new cases, bringing the total to state. 1 639 914 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began in March.
Deaths
Florida reported 156 new deaths were linked to viruses on Saturday, raising the death toll to 25,561. This issue contains 397 non-residents who died in Florida.
Hospitalizations
As of Saturday afternoon, there were currently According to the state agency for health care administration, 6,698 people with the virus were admitted to the hospital in Florida.
Since March 70,002 people were hospitalized in Florida after COVID-19. The number includes the 267 new patients recently admitted to hospital due to the virus are evident from the health department’s daily report released on Friday.
Positivity rate
The percentage of positive results was 6.54% on Saturday, a significant decrease from the previous day.
Health officials say the rate should remain between 5% and 10% to prove that a community owns the virus and can control infections.
Vaccinations
The Florida Department of Health recently launched a daily report on COVID-19 vaccines nationwide.
As of Saturday, 1,389,149 people have been vaccinated in Florida. The FDOH also reports that 139,345 people received their second shot.
The state originally reported how many people were in arrears for their second vaccination, but has since removed the data point.
[Register for the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida here]
| County | Incidents | New matters | Hospitalizations | New hospitalizations | Deaths | New deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brevard | 27,542 | 297 | 1 695 | 10 | 609 | 6 |
| Flagler | 4 940 | 35 | 281 | 0 | 60 | -1 |
| More | 20,470 | 174 | 1 088 | 1 | 386 | -6 |
| Marion | 23 209 | 159 | 1 503 | 14 | 562 | 2 |
| Orange | 97,842 | 994 | 2 158 | 9 | 893 | 0 |
| Osceola | 32,033 | 299 | 1 168 | 3 | 334 | 1 |
| Polk | 47 795 | 541 | 3,680 | 15 | 928 | 8 |
| Seminole | 22,928 | 171 | 1 013 | 10 | 353 | 0 |
| Sumter | 6,706 | 60 | 434 | 1 | 169 | -1 |
| Volusia | 29 051 | 201 | 1 442 | 3 | 492 | 0 |
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