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News about coronavirus in Florida and around the world is constantly emerging. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida and WUSF can help. Our responsibility at WUSF News is to keep you informed, and to help discern what’s important for your family as you make what could be life-saving decisions.

Florida Reports Nearly 8,000 New Coronavirus Cases, Most Since February

Screenshot of Florida's coronavirus dashboard on April 8.
Florida Department of Health
The state also recorded another 86 COVID-19 related deaths.

The greater Tampa Bay region also reported the most new cases in a single day since mid-February, adding 1,591 more positive tests to its total.

Florida reported 7,939 additional coronavirus cases on Thursday, the most in a single day since February 11.

The greater Tampa Bay region experienced a similar high. The area recorded 1,591 cases on Thursday, the most in one day since February 12.

More than 141,000 coronavirus tests were returned on Wednesday, a significantly higher amount than on previous days this week. The positivity rate for new cases was 6.73 percent, slightly lower than recent days.

The state recorded another 86 COVID-19 related deaths since Wednesday, including 21 in the Tampa Bay region.

After increasing by nearly 100 on Wednesday, hospitalizations decreased by 75. As of Thursday afternoon, there were 3,030 people in the state hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19.

Nearly 6.8 million people in the state have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, a little more than 30 percent of Florida's total population. About four million of those people have received a complete series of shots.

State Totals (as of Thursday, April 8)

  • Positive Tests – 2,104,686
  • Deaths – 34,562

Daily Changes:

  • State: Positive Tests – 7,939| Deaths – 86
  • Greater Tampa Bay region: Positive Tests – 1,591 | Deaths – 21

Daily Testing (statewide):

  • Tests Received – 141,380 | Positivity Rate – 6.73%

ABOUT THE DATA: The Florida Department of Health produces a daily update around 11 a.m. with information about COVID-19 cases and deaths that were reported over the previous 24 hours. Cases and deaths in the report may have happened days or weeks earlier, according to state officials. The state separately tracks cases and deaths that occurred on specific days on its dashboard and those totals are frequently updated.

Florida COVID-19 daily total of positive tests/deaths for the last two weeks:

  • April 8: 7,939/86
  • April 7: 5,885/42
  • April 6: 5,556/70
  • April 5: 3,480/36
  • April 4: 4,794/22
  • April 3: 6,017/67
  • April 2: 6,490/96
  • April 1: 6,790/71
  • March 31: 5,294/89
  • March 30: 5,062/92
  • March 29: 3,374/72
  • March 28: 4,943/36
  • March 27: 5,883/27
  • March 26: 5,750/167
NOTE: The Florida Department of Health discontinued daily coronvirus updates on June 4, 2021.

I cover health care for WUSF and the statewide journalism collaborative Health News Florida. I’m passionate about highlighting community efforts to improve the quality of care in our state and make it more accessible to all Floridians. I’m also committed to holding those in power accountable when they fail to prioritize the health needs of the people they serve.
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