Florida’s coronavirus outbreak has now killed 446 people and infected 18,986, while nationwide, the number of cases Sunday surpassed 530,000. The U.S. death toll of over 20,600 is now the highest in the world, topping Italy’s numbers Saturday. Worldwide, there are over 1.7 million cases and over 109,000 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center . By the end of the week, 1 in 100 Floridians will have been tested for COVID-19 , Gov. Ron DeSantis said Saturday. He also announced that the drive-through site at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando will not only keep testing people, but will expand its services. Usually packed to the rafters for Easter, the holiest day of the year for Christians, many churches today will sit quietly as a measure to minimize the spread of the virus. Empty pews, though, mean empty collection plates. And that puts churches in the same situation as many small businesses that have lost income because of the coronavirus pandemic: trying to balance their budget. As the economic impact of the pandemic spread, a union coalition announced Saturday that about 40,000 Disney World workers will be furloughed starting April 19, the largest wave of Disney employees at the resort to be sent home without pay. Central Florida has 2,300 cases. Orange County leads the region with 923, followed by Osceola’s 317, Polk’s 244, Seminole’s 242, Volusia’s 193, Lake’s 150, Brevard’s 123 and Sumter’s 108. Central Florida’s death toll is 51. ( See details on all Central Florida cases here ). Osceola County leaders announced Friday that all residents must cover their noses and mouths with a mask or cloth when in public. Violation of the order is a second-degree misdemeanor. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said he is considering a similar […]
