Manatee County giving away 7,500 COVID-19 at-home test kits at libraries
If you have been searching high and low for a COVID-19 testing kit can try to snag a free one in Manatee County – but you may have to act fast.
Why are so many vaccinated people getting COVID-19 lately?
People might mistakenly think the COVID-19 vaccines will completely block infection, but the shots are mainly designed to prevent severe illness, one virus researcher says.
Walmart and Kroger raise prices for BinaxNOW rapid COVID-19 tests
The companies previously sold them at cost
AAP: Child COVID-19 cases hit highest level since pandemic’s start
“COVID-19 cases among US children have reached the highest case count ever reported since the start of the pandemic," the American Academy of Pediatrics said.
Hospitals report increase in pediatric COVID-19 cases
Johns Hopkins All Childrens says, in the week ending January 2, they had 38 Pinellas County kids test positive for COVID, compared to four in the previous week.
Milwaukee police, security at COVID testing sites after altercations
The Milwaukee Police Department and security companies are providing COVID-19 test site security after reports of some altercations and line cutting.
Biden urges schools to remain open amid COVID-19 case surge, orders 20M antiviral pills
“We know that our kids can be safe when in school,” President Joe Biden said from the White House. “That’s why I believe schools should stay open.”
COVID-19 cases surging but health experts say focus should be on hospitalizations, deaths
The explosive increase in U.S. coronavirus case counts is raising alarm, but some experts believe the focus should instead be on COVID-19 hospital admissions. And those aren’t climbing as fast. Each measurement has its value, health experts say.
Navy stopped from reprimanding sailors over COVID-19 vaccine refusal
The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's decision to make vaccinations mandatory for all members of the military.
OC Deputy DA, vocal critic of vaccine mandates, dies of COVID-19
Orange County Deputy District Attorney Kelly Ernby has died of COVID-19. Ernby was an outspoken critic of COVID vaccine mandates on a number of occasions.
Gov. DeSantis press conference delayed after protest; Jacksonville civil rights group leader detained
A protest took place moments before Gov. DeSantis' was supposed to speak in Jacksonville, leading to a civil rights group leader being detained for trespassing. The activists said they wanted to speak to the governor about his response to the pandemic.
Another COVID-19 testing site opens in Tampa to ease long lines, demand
Tampa has opened another COVID-19 testing site at Al Barnes Park as the city sees an increase in demand for testing.
COVID surge forces Florida hospital to shut down maternity ward 'until further notice'
A South Florida hospital says a surge in COVID-19 cases among its staff has forced them to close their maternity ward "until further notice."
CDC reduces recommended wait time for getting Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot
The agency also recommended that severely immunocompromised kids ages 5-11 should get an additional primary dose of the Pfizer vaccine 28 days after their second shot.
Tampa police officer dies after long battle with brain cancer
Tampa police and supervisors said Officer Matthew David McNeal was a "kind and humble man, who loved being a police officer." He passed away Monday, surrounded by family, after battling brain cancer.
Fla. surgeon general, governor question federal government's COVID testing approach
Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the highly contagious omicron variant, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced plans to issue new guidance for testing, putting an emphasis on higher-risk people.
Can you catch Covid twice? Doctor explains likelihood of double covid infection
"Just because you get one strain of the virus doesn't mean can't get another one," Dr. Shajahan said. "If you had Covid, you might think you're good but keep in mind this virus is still around and if it’s around, it can still continue to mutate."
Hillsborough schools decide existing COVID precautions are sufficient amid case surge
Superintendent of Schools Addison Davis said the district will continue encouraging masks indoors and increased cleaning and disinfecting, but there will be no new COVID-19 guidelines as kids head back after the holidays.
DeSantis calls on Biden administration to allow states to purchase monoclonal antibody treatments
Gov. Ron DeSantis called on the Biden administration to allow Florida to obtain more monoclonal antibody treatments as the state sees a spike in COVID cases due to the omicron variant.
St. Pete mayor-elect Ken Welch tests positive for COVID-19; inauguration ceremony canceled
The inauguration ceremony for St. Pete Mayor-elect Ken Welch has been canceled after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.