Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data released Saturday, as its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors.
The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread.Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials' ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19.
DeSantis has blamed the surge on a seasonal increase -- more Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather with air conditioning circulating the virus. About 60% of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states. All workers at Universal's Florida park on Saturday started being required to wear masks while indoors as the employees returned to practicing social distancing. The home to Harry Potter and Despicable Me rides also asked visitors to follow federal and local health guidelines by voluntarily wearing face coverings indoors.
SeaWorld on Saturday posted on its website that it was recommending that visitors follow recently updated federal recommendations and wear face coverings while indoors.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ontario reports more than 200 new COVID-19 cases for third day in a rowFor the third consecutive day, Ontario is reporting more than 200 new cases of COVID-19.
Read more »
Ontario reports 226 new cases of COVID-19 and 11 more deathsOntario is reporting another small uptick in COVID-19 cases two weeks after a wider reopening of the province.
Read more »
Ontario reports 226 new COVID-19 cases, 11 new deathsHealth Minister Christine Elliott says 62 of the new cases are in Toronto, 35 were in Waterloo Region, and 24 were in Peel
Read more »
COVID-19 cases in Ontario climb with another 226 new infections reportedOntario health officials are reporting an additional 226 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, marking the fifth straight day in which infection numbers have climbed.
Read more »
Yukon reports 7th death, seven new cases of COVID-19Yukon has reported its seventh death linked to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
Read more »