Florida’s state department of health is reporting 150,740 new covid-19 cases this week which brings the total number of cases to 3,027,954. The state is also reporting 1,486 deaths which brings the total number of Floridian deaths to 42,252.
A surge in hospitalizations in the state is leading to shortages for critical medical supplies like liquid oxygen, the Orlando Utilities Commission says. The commission is requesting that all water customers immediately limit their water usage. A health official with Advent Health – the largest healthcare provider in central Florida – says hospitals are experiencing “a crisis of unprecedented proportions,” treating over two times the number of Covid patients seen last year during the winter surge.
With more than 17,000 patients hospitalized across the state with Covid-19, hospitals are running low on space. According to federal data, less than 7% of ICU beds are available statewide. The combination of low ICU capacity and liquid oxygen is leading to longer wait times for patients seeking treatment. One viral example was Toma Dean lying on the floor while waiting for a monoclonal antibody treatment.
Many health professionals expect the situation to get worse. Recent projections are showing a surge in Covid-19 deaths, with the IHME model estimating total deaths will hit 52,000 by the end of the year. Florida officials are now bracing for the worst with the 14-day change in cases (+31%), hospitalizations (+39%), and deaths (+178%).
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