Broward County may have Florida’s first case of moneypox
A person who was traveling internationally may have contracted the first case of monkeypox detected in Florida. By David J. Neal, Miami HeraldA person has been isolated after a presumptive case of monkeypox was diagnosed, the Florida Department of Health in Broward County announced Sunday afternoon. “This case is related to international travel, and the person remains isolated,” the Health Department in Broward said. “Therefore, the risk of exposure remains low.”Friday’s CDC health advisoryThat said, there have been clumps of monkeypox cases around the world recently. “Since May 14, 2022, clusters of monkeypox cases have been reported in several countries that don’t normally have monkeypox,” the advisory stated.
thewestsidegazette.comFlorida Department of Health in Broward County Advises on Meningococcal Disease and Vaccines in Florida
Submitted by Nina LevineTALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease. Thus far, the number of cases identified in 2022 surpasses the 5-year average of meningococcal disease cases in Florida. Find meningococcal vaccines, including the MenACWY vaccine, by contacting a health care provider, county health department, or pharmacy. For more information about meningococcal disease, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or the FDOH website.
thewestsidegazette.comTobacco Free Florida program offers tools, services to help smokers quit
The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida program offers free tools and services to all Floridians to help smokers quit. Group Quit is one of the many quit services available. Counseling and medication are both effective to help you quit smoking and using them together is more effective than using either one alone. One year after quitting smoking, a former pack-a-day smoker can save more than $2,200, based on today’s prices. To learn more about all Tobacco Free Florida tools and services, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.
communitynewspapers.comBroward County Expands COVID-19 Test Sites
[BROWARD COUNTY] – Broward County, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Broward (DOH-Broward), Broward Sheriff’s Office, municipalities, municipal law enforcement and EMS/Fire Rescue announces the following expansion of local COVID-19 testing activities. Effective , capacity at the current test site at 16001 W. State Road 84 in Sunrise will be expanded with additional testing tents. Smith Park and Mills Pond Park: Testing sites were expanded with additional testing tents within the last few weeks in order to accommodate the increase in demand. Testing sites were expanded with additional testing tents within the last few weeks in order to accommodate the increase in demand. Collection SitesDOH-Broward operates 10 test collection sites in Broward County.
sflcn.comFlorida mayor says DeSantis has been MIA during omicron surge
The mayor of one of Florida’s largest counties on Tuesday blasted Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, saying he has been missing in action during the latest wave of COVID-19, as some counties brought back mask mandates for government workers and other municipalities opened up new testing sites in response to overwhelming demand.
sun-sentinel.comDemand for coronavirus testing goes up in South Florida as omicron variant cases increase
As coronavirus cases associated with the omicron variant increase steadily in South Florida, so do the number of people who are lining up to get tested. Florida added nearly 9,000 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday — the most since late September.
The other vaccine issue: Routine childhood shots post ‘alarming’ decline during pandemic
“There is a segment of our population that is becoming very anti-vaccine,” said Dr. Lisa Gwynn, president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “It’s a whole new era for us as pediatricians.”
sun-sentinel.comCoronavirus Report: October 11, 2021
By Marsha Mullings, MPHUSA44.3 million cases, 718,000 deathsFlorida*3.6 million cases, 55,667 deaths*The Florida Department of Health has suspended daily case and vaccine reports. The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, October 1 – October 7UpdateNew coronavirus infections have decreased dramatically across the US. The daily average last week was 4,000 new infections, down from a daily average of 20,000 a month ago. AnnouncementBooster ShotsBooster shots are available for individuals who have received two doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, only persons who have received the first two doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can receive the booster.
thewestsidegazette.comFlorida fines key county $3.5 million for mandating vaccines
Florida has issued its first fine to a county it says violated a new state law banning coronavirus vaccine mandates and for firing 14 workers who failed to get the shots. The Florida Department of Health on Tuesday issued the $3.5 million fine for Leon County, home to the state capital, saying the municipality violated Florida's “vaccine passport" law, which prohibits businesses and governments from requiring people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. “These are people that, presumably, have been serving throughout this whole time and now all of a sudden they’re basically getting kicked to the curb,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference in St. Pete Beach.
news.yahoo.comCoronavirus Report 2021: October 4, 2021
By Marsha Mullings, MPHUSA44 million cases, 704,000 deathsFlorida*3.6 million cases, 55,299 deaths*The Florida Department of Health has suspended daily case and vaccine reports. The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, September 24 – September 30. Booster ShotsBooster shots are available for individuals who have received two doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, only persons who have received the first two doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can receive the booster. For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org; nyt.com; www.coronavirus.jhu.edu; www.cdc.gov;
thewestsidegazette.comCORONAVIRUS REPORT: September 27, 2021
The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, September 17 – September 23. These recommendations only apply to people who previously received a Pfizer primary series (i.e., the first 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine). Ivermectin is not authorized or approved by FDA for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Ivermectin formulated for large animal use (horses and cows) should not be used as prevention or treatment for COVID-19. For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org ;
thewestsidegazette.comCoronavirus Report: September 20, 2021
By Marsha Mullings, MPHUSA42 million cases,678,000 deathsFlorida*3.5 million cases,51,240 deaths*The Florida Department of Health has suspended daily case and vaccine reports. The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, September 10 – September 16. AnnouncementAn advisory panel at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended booster shots of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for adults 65 and older and for immunocompromised individuals. There are three treatments sites in South Florida:o CB Smith Park, Pembroke Pineso Tropical Park, Miamio West Gate Park, West Palm BeachTreatment is administered daily from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. AdvisoryThe Delta variant is a highly contagious strain of coronavirus that presents a serious risk for infection.
thewestsidegazette.comThe Westside Gazette
By Marsha Mullings, MPHAs of September 13, 2021USA41 million cases, 663,000 deathsFlorida*3.4 million cases, 48,772 deaths*The Florida Department of Health has suspended daily case and vaccine reports. The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, September 3 – September 9. There are three treatments sites in South Florida:o CB Smith Park, Pembroke Pineso Tropical Park, Miamio West Gate Park, West Palm BeachTreatment is administered daily from 9am -5pm. AdvisoryThe Delta variant is a highly contagious strain of coronavirus that presents a serious risk for infection. For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org;www.coronavirus.jhu.edu; www.cdc.gov; www.sun-sentinel.com
thewestsidegazette.comCoronavirus Report: September 6, 2021
The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, August 27 – September 2. UpdatesNew coronavirus infections have decreased over the last week. The daily average is 15,000 new infections, down from an average of 23,000 new infections over the last week. AdvisoryThe Delta variant is a highly contagious strain of coronavirus that presents a serious risk for infection. For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org;
thewestsidegazette.comCoronavirus Report August 30, 2021
AnnouncementsCOVID-19 Booster ShotsThe Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a plan to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots this fall. It is likely that people who received a Johnson & Johnson, Janssen COVID-19 vaccine will need a booster dose. UpdatesFlorida continues to lead the nation in Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. The state records an average of 23,000 new coronavirus cases daily, highest in the nation. For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org;www.coronavirus.jhu.edu; www.cdc.gov; www.sun-sentinel.com
thewestsidegazette.comCORONAVIRUS REPORT AS OF AUGUST 16, 2021
The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, August 6 – August 12. The state has recorded a daily average of 22,000 new cases over the last week, the highest across the US. The state has recorded an average of 15,000 COVID-related hospitalizations daily. New coronavirus testing locations have reopened in the county. AdvisoryThe Delta variant is a highly contagious strain of coronavirus that presents a serious risk for infection.
thewestsidegazette.comThe Westside Gazette
There is an average of 110,000 new cases a day, up from a daily average of 10,000 in early July. new cases a day, up from a daily average of in early July. new cases daily. Broward County has recorded the highest number of daily hospitalizations of all Florida counties – an average of 1,500 admissions each day. New coronavirus testing locations have reopened in the county.
thewestsidegazette.comVaccination rates for children show ‘alarming’ decline in Florida
Vaccination rates for young children in Florida declined by as much as 14%, and state health officials attribute the drop partly to measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 that resulted in parents postponing routine childhood exams.
sun-sentinel.comHurricane shelters: Masks, yes. Social distancing, yes. Vaccines, not required.
Hurricane shelters in Broward and Palm Beach Counties won’t require COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone needing shelter from hurricanes this summer. Masks will still be required and social distancing will be enforced.
sun-sentinel.comCoronavirus Report: August 2, 2021
By Marsha Mullings, MPHUSA35 million cases, 614,000 deathsFlorida*2.6 million cases, 39,079 deaths*The Florida Department of Health has suspended daily case and vaccine reports. UpdateThe US is experiencing an enormous surge in new coronavirus infections. The CDC reports that the spike in new cases is caused by the Delta variant of coronavirus. The CDC forecasts between 200,000 and 1.2 million new coronavirus infections across the US over the next three weeks. AdvisoryThe Delta variant is a highly contagious strain of coronavirus that presents a serious risk for infection.
thewestsidegazette.comCoronavirus Report: July 26, 2021
By Marsha Mullings, MPHUSA34.5 million cases, 612,000 deathsFlorida*2.5 million cases, 38,670 deaths*The Florida Department of Health has suspended daily case and vaccine reports. The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, July 16 – July 22. UpdateNew coronavirus infections have risen 144% across the US over the last 14 days. Florida is the epicenter in the recent surge in new coronavirus infections. For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org;
thewestsidegazette.comCoronavirus Report: July 19, 2021
By Marsha Mullings, MPHUSA*34.1 million cases, 609,500 deathsFlorida*2.4 million cases, 38,388 deaths*The Florida Department of Health has suspended daily case and vaccine reports. Florida is experiencing a full-fledged outbreak of the Delta variant of coronavirus. Florida alone represents 20% of all new coronavirus cases across the US. The Delta variant is circulating widely in South Florida and surrounding areas. For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org;
thewestsidegazette.comCoronavirus Report: July 12, 2021
UpdateNew coronavirus infections have risen 60% across the US over the last 14 days. The average number of daily new cases is 19,000, up from 12,000 over the past 14 days. The average number of daily COVID-19 deaths remain steady at 250. AdvisoryThe risk of infection with coronavirus and the possibility of developing COVID-19 disease remain extremely high for people who are unvaccinated. For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org;
thewestsidegazette.comJudge won't dismiss case against Florida virus whistleblower
A judge on Tuesday refused to dismiss a criminal case against a former Florida Department of Health employee-turned whistleblower who raised questions about information being reported by the state on the coronavirus. Judge Francis Allman in Tallahassee rejected a motion to dismiss the criminal case against Rebekah Jones. Jones helped build the state’s online presentation of its COVID-19 data until she was fired.
news.yahoo.comCoronavirus Report: June 14, 2021
The numbers reported here reflect the number of new cases and deaths for the previous week, June 4 – June 10. COVID-19 deaths have also continued to decline sharply. The average number of daily deaths is 360, compared to a daily average of 3,000 deaths over the winter. AdvisoryThe risk of infection with coronavirus and the possibility of developing COVID-19 disease remain extremely high for people who are unvaccinated. For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit
thewestsidegazette.comState accuses a Miami doctor of malpractice in a Jackson heart surgery patient’s death
A longtime Miami anesthesiologist didn’t make sure a patient was properly ventilated after heart surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital, leading to the patient’s brain death, the Florida Department of Health said in an administrative complaint.
news.yahoo.comFlorida schools should not mandate face masks next school year, education commissioner says
In letter to superintendents, Ricard Corcoran said school districts with mandatory face masks rules should change those policies so face coverings are an option, but not required, for next school year.
sun-sentinel.comThis Week in South Florida Podcast: April 4, 2021
On the latest episode of the This Week in South Florida podcast, hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg are joined by Deputy Secretary for the Florida Department of Health Dr. Shamarial Roberson, state lawmakers Sen. Annette Taddeo and Rep. Daniel Perez, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried and South Florida Water Management District board member Ron Bergeron.
This Week in South Florida Full Episode: April 4, 2021
On the latest episode of This Week in South Florida, hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg are joined by Deputy Secretary for the Florida Department of Health Dr. Shamarial Roberson, state lawmakers Sen. Annette Taddeo and Rep. Daniel Perez, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Nikki Fried and South Florida Water Management District board member Ron Bergeron.
Black religious leaders promote COVID-19 vaccine: ‘God has used scientists’
MIAMI – A group of local Black religious leaders, including a Haitian American, met on Wednesday in Miami-Dade County to promote the COVID-19 vaccine campaign. Carl Johnson, of 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, spoke about his support of the COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday in Miami-Dade. The meeting also included Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade commissioners, and other community leaders. Two of the pastors received their first dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Ron DeSantis expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility in Florida to people who are 40 years old or older.
COVID-19 vaccination site at MDC North to stay open an extra four weeks
WESTVIEW, Fla. – Florida’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign at Miami Dade College North continued Monday with thousands more who received their first dose of the Pfizer two-dose vaccine. The state announced that the site will now be able to administer 3,000 first doses of the Pfizer vaccine per day. As of Monday morning, 3,141,836 people had completed the vaccine series in Florida, including 379,899 in Miami-Dade County and 272,201 in Broward County, according to the Florida Department of Health. Also, 2,537,765 people received the first dose in Florida, including 336,500 in Dade and 223,772 in Broward, according to the FDOH. AdSTATEWIDEFlorida Department of Health (FDOH)MIAMI-DADEFlorida Department of Health (FDOH)BROWARDFlorida Department of Health (FDOH)Related stories
How to volunteer in support of COVID-19 campaign
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health needs volunteers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties to help with the COVID-19 vaccine campaign. BROWARDThe Broward Medical Reserve Corps, a community-based program, is looking for medical and public health professionals. Dr. Warren Sturman, of the Broward Medical Reserve Corps, said there is a dire need for volunteers with and without medical training. MIAMI-DADEFDOH in Miami-Dade needs public ambassadors. People who are interested need to fill out the application and a personal reference questionnaire and e-mail it to MiamiDade@FLHealth.gov.
Florida nears 2 million total COVID-19 cases after adding 5,140 cases Friday
Florida’s health department confirmed 5,140 new COVID-19 cases Friday and 53 state resident deaths as a result of the virus. The state has now verified 1,999,257 COVID-19 cases since the outbreak began and 32,651 resident deaths, according to the latest health department data. Another 622 non-residents have died in Florida from COVID-19, putting the state over 33,000 deaths total. According to the CDC, over 900 cases of COVID-19 variants have been verified in Florida, most of any state. A look at the statewide positivity rate for new COVID-19 cases across Florida over the past two weeks.
Broward schools’ employees receive COVID-19 vaccine in Hollywood
Broward County Public Schools’ employees who are age 18 or older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine this week at the T.Y. The last day for Broward school employees to make COVID vaccine appointments is Friday. State sites are only accepting school employees who are age 50 or older. As of Monday, FDOH reported 2,370,198 had completed the COVID-19 vaccine series in Florida, including 203,829 in Broward County and 258,271 in Miami-Dade County. Broward reportFlorida Department of Health (Copyright 2020 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.)
Florida reporta 53 muertes y 5,140 nuevos casos de COVID-19 este jueves
A member of the Florida National Guard directs vehicles at a drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site at Marlins Park, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Broward County school employees can now get COVID-19 vaccine regardless of age
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Broward County Public Schools employees, no matter how old they are, can now get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the school district. Through the district’s ongoing partnership with the Florida Department of Health employees, will have several choices of locations throughout Broward County to get a shot. Appointments can be made beginning Monday, according to a release by the district, and will be distributed from Tuesday, March 16 through Friday, March 19. Earlier in March, there was an age restriction for which school employees could get the vaccine. To schedule an appointment, those eligible can call (866) 201-6313.
Here’s the form to prove COVID-19 vulnerability to get a shot in Florida
The Florida Department of Health has published a form that, beginning now, will be used across the state for physicians to certify that patients are “extremely vulnerable” to COVID-19 and therefore eligible to receive a vaccine in Florida. Hospitals, doctors offices and pharmacies are now allowed to vaccinate those extremely vulnerable state residents — regardless of age — after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest executive order last week. Otherwise, a Floridian must be 65 or older; a frontline healthcare worker who treats patients; a resident or staff at a long-term care facility; or a law enforcement, firefighter or K-12 school employee ages 50 and older. You can access the form to prove “extreme vulnerability” below or by clicking here.
Several FEMA-supported vaccination sites open in Miami-Dade
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami Dade College’s North Campus is now home to a massive vaccination site run by the state and supported by FEMA. More than 2,000 doses will be administered there per day, 500 of which will be the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine. AdThe U.S. Army is prepared to administer 2,500 Pfizer doses and 500 Johnson & Johnson doses daily. Both are offering 500 doses daily and are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Ad“(The) Jackson Health System has vaccinated over 97,000 members of the community,” Jackson Health System CEO Carlos Migoya said.
Rabies alert issued in Fort Lauderdale after 2 women attacked by raccoon
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Two women in a Fort Lauderdale neighborhood were attacked by a raccoon, city fire officials confirmed. Video provided by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue shows the moments Fish & Wildlife Conservation responded to a home Friday morning after neighbors said a raccoon attacked a woman living there. “Our crews were actually being chased by the raccoon when they went up and tried to treat the woman,” said Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan. AdBroward County’s health department issued a rabies alert for the next 60 days. The only preventive measure for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization.
COVID-19: Who’s been vaccinated? Check the numbers for local counties
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – (Our new chart will update the number of people vaccinated in four South Florida counties.) The data summarize the number of people who have received either their first dose or have completed the series for a COVID-19 vaccine. After individuals receive their second dose, they are moved from the first dose column to the series completed column. AdRELATED LINKS:Where to get vaccinated: Miami-Dade County | Broward CountyFlorida’s pre-registration system for those eligible for COVID-19 vaccine: Click here. Weekly COVID-19 testing numbers in Broward and Miami-Dade County cities
Florida has 200+ cases of COVID-19 variant; Broward and Dade have the most
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Florida has at least 201 confirmed cases of the more contagious COVID-19 variant out of the United Kingdom, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s the highest total in the country, and the highest concentration of cases remains in South Florida, numbers from the state’s health department show. There have been 690 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant across 33 states in the statistics posted Sunday night. In Florida, Broward County has the most verified variant cases (57), followed by Miami-Dade (40) and Palm Beach County (22), according to the Florida Department of Health. “In fact, as of Feb. 5, the Florida Department of Health has sequenced 4,224 COVID-19 specimens, with more than 220 sequenced last week.
Audit requested in Palm Beach County after more than 1,000 doses of vaccine damaged
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health announced Wednesday that it has called for an audit into the Palm Beach County Health Care District after it reported damage to more than 1,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine last week. “In Florida, we have been diligent to preserve and utilize every single dose of the vaccine. While we must rely on partners to distribute this critical resource, we expect that every provider treat the vaccine as the precious commodity that it is. AdThe health department has asked health officials in Palm Beach County to perform a full accounting of all vaccine-related equipment and procedures it currently has in place to store and handle the vaccine. The FDOH has requested that the audit be completed by Friday, Feb. 12. and that “all findings and corrective actions be reported to the Florida Department of Health immediately upon the conclusion of the audit.”
South Florida has the most COVID-19 variant cases in state, data shows
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Of the 92 confirmed cases of a more contagious COVID-19 variant in Florida, 60 of those cases are in South Florida, according to new data from the state’s health department. That includes 28 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant in Broward County, 23 cases in Miami-Dade County and nine cases in Palm Beach County. The only other states in the country with more than 20 confirmed variant cases are California (92) and New York (22). However, the Florida Department of Health says that it is more actively searching for the variant than other states. “The hard science data, as well as epidemiological data, suggesting that the U.K. variant is not just more contagious but also perhaps more severe.”In Florida, verified variant cases doubled from 46 last week to 92 this week.
Broward COVID-19 vaccine appointments now made through new phone number
Less than smooth sailing as 2 COVID-19 vaccination locations open in Broward CountyFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – After struggling with an online system, the Florida Department of Health in Broward County is now having people eligible for COVID-19 shots sign up over the phone through the state’s appointment scheduling system. Seniors 65 and older and frontline healthcare workers can call 866-201-6313 to request an appointment, effective immediately, officials announced Thursday morning. “When people call the appointment number, they will be asked through an automated system to enter information using their telephone keypad. Live agents will call people back to make appointments until all current appointments are filled,” the health department said in a news release. “They should return to the same site on the date written on their vaccination card at the same time as they arrived for their first dose,” the health department said.
Former DOH analyst Rebekah Jones under arrest after anonymous message investigation
Rebekah Jones turned herself in to police on Sunday after an investigation into an anonymous message sent to Department of Health employees. A raid on her home on Dec. 7, according to investigators, was regarding a message sent from a computer at her home address to health department employees. The anonymous alert, sent on Nov. 10 to workers at FDOH, read:“It’s time, to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead. Ron DeSantis said that Jones became known because she alleged a conspiracy theory at the Department of Health. Obviously, she has issues.”RELATED: Former data analyst home raidedBodycam video released of raid on COVID-19 data analyst’s homeRebekah Jones demands computers be returned
Fired DOH analyst Rebekah Jones says she’ll turn herself in to police Sunday night
Rebekah Jones says she was fired from the Florida Department of Health after she refused to "manipulate" COVID-19 data (Photo: Courtesy photo)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Former Florida Department of Health data analyst Rebekah Jones announced on Twitter that she will turn herself in to authorities on Sunday night. She has been vocal about her firing, saying that it was because she refused to go along with manipulating COVID-19 data. — Rebekah Jones (@GeoRebekah) January 16, 2021The raid was based on a lie. — Rebekah Jones (@GeoRebekah) January 16, 2021The search in early December, according to investigators, was regarding a message sent from a computer at her home address to health department employees. Obviously, she has issues.”RELATED: Former data analyst home raidedBodycam video released of raid on COVID-19 data analyst’s homeRebekah Jones demands computers be returned
Florida: Black community numbers for COVID-19 vaccinations lower than other races
There is a stark contrast between Florida’s Black communities and white communities when it comes to the number of people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Florida Department of Health, a little over 38,000 Black people have been vaccinated in the state of Florida compared to just over 494,000 white people. The Florida Department of Health has been working with places of worship to boost the number of vaccinations being given out, but is that enough? Community Activist James “Munch” Mungin II said that the church isn’t the main stable in the community anymore. “I think the state, I think the federal government needs to have a better communication plan within the Black community,” said Senator Shevrin Jones (D-35).
New Broward COVID-19 vaccine distribution center to help deal with appointment backlog
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health has 40,000 people on a waiting list for the COVID-19 vaccine, so access to new appointments will be limited until the state is able to deal with the backlog. To help speed up the process, a new COVID-19 vaccine distribution center is scheduled to open on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Coral Square Mall, 9469 W. Atlantic Blvd., in Coral Springs. Government-issued photo identification is required to verify the recipient of the vaccine is age 65 or older. As of Sunday in Broward County, 39,717 people had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 6,480 had completed the series, according to FDOH. For more information about access to the COVID-19 vaccine, call the Florida Division of Emergency Management at 1-866-779-6121.