In the most recent Florida report, 22.75% of those tested were positive for COVID

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Florida increased by more than 12,000 cases on Tuesday, amid positive rates that have not been seen since July – the peak of the Florida pandemic. The positivity rate of 22.75% nationally – almost double that of some counties – was determined by a small number of people tested due to the closure and / or limited hours of testing places at Christmas and on weekends. holidays.

While the 12,075 cases reported by the Florida Department of Health did not record a record one-day increase in Florida, there were 1,024 new cases in Duval County reported on Tuesday – by far the most in a single day since the pandemic began.

As of March 1, there were 1,292,252 residents and individuals visiting the state diagnosed with COVID-19. There have been 59,515 positive tests in Jacksonville in the last 10 months.

There were 105 additional deaths in Florida, reported on Tuesday, bringing the state total to 21,718. Two of them were residents of Jacksonville, and one was in Clay County.

There were 6,280 people hospitalized in the state on Tuesday afternoon, with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 – 479 more hospitalizations of COVID-19 than the previous day.

On Monday, only 40,372 test results came in, compared to an average of more than 100,000 every day last week, prompting the DOH to add this disclaimer on Tuesday: “As we continue to close offices and holidays until January 4, 2021, it is data may continue to be affected in the coming days. “

According to the vaccination status dashboard: 17,117 first doses were administered on Tuesday, bringing the total to 146,160 in the state. The vaccines were given on Tuesday to the first seniors who were not in long-term care institutions.

Registration for those aged 65 and over opened on Tuesday in Clay County and will open Wednesday at 8 a.m. in Duval County. St. County Johns said their community vaccination plan will be announced soon. The first vaccines in Northeast Florida will be given Monday.