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A Deadly Coronavirus Mix in Florida: An Aging Population and Lots of Young Visitors A Deadly Coronavirus Mix in Florida: An Aging Population and Lots of Young Visitors
(about 13 hours later)
MIAMI — At the Florida community of The Villages, the retirement capital of America and the place with the nation’s highest concentration of older people, only 33 people have been tested for the coronavirus.MIAMI — At the Florida community of The Villages, the retirement capital of America and the place with the nation’s highest concentration of older people, only 33 people have been tested for the coronavirus.
In the Florida Keys, swamped with young spring breakers and travelers from around the world, just 16 people had been tested by Monday night. Ten of Florida’s 67 counties have tested no one at all.In the Florida Keys, swamped with young spring breakers and travelers from around the world, just 16 people had been tested by Monday night. Ten of Florida’s 67 counties have tested no one at all.
A disease that is deadly to the elderly and easily spread by the young has left Florida especially vulnerable. Yet faced with the prospect of dealing a shattering blow to an $86 billion tourism industry, Gov. Ron DeSantis has moved more slowly than some other states to contain a pandemic that is spreading with alarming speed. Whole swaths of the state have yet to begin robust testing, according to State Department of Health data. And even as some of the beaches still swarmed with college revelers, the state refused to close them.A disease that is deadly to the elderly and easily spread by the young has left Florida especially vulnerable. Yet faced with the prospect of dealing a shattering blow to an $86 billion tourism industry, Gov. Ron DeSantis has moved more slowly than some other states to contain a pandemic that is spreading with alarming speed. Whole swaths of the state have yet to begin robust testing, according to State Department of Health data. And even as some of the beaches still swarmed with college revelers, the state refused to close them.
In many cases, even people who have a known exposure or are exhibiting symptoms have not been offered testing, according to interviews with doctors, patients and family members across the state.In many cases, even people who have a known exposure or are exhibiting symptoms have not been offered testing, according to interviews with doctors, patients and family members across the state.
While testing is falling well short of demand across the country, public health officials say the unique risk in Florida, where 27 percent of the population is over the age of 60, and eight people have already died, creates a serious need for better testing.While testing is falling well short of demand across the country, public health officials say the unique risk in Florida, where 27 percent of the population is over the age of 60, and eight people have already died, creates a serious need for better testing.
Epidemiologists raced on Tuesday to quarantine and evaluate the remaining 218 residents of an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale after a 77-year-old man who had been hospitalized since March 6 died of the coronavirus.Epidemiologists raced on Tuesday to quarantine and evaluate the remaining 218 residents of an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale after a 77-year-old man who had been hospitalized since March 6 died of the coronavirus.
Debra Lounders, 63, was ordered to self-isolate after traveling through the Fort Lauderdale airport where a T.S.A. agent tested positive. Ms. Lounders, who has a low-grade fever, a cough and feels sluggish, works at one of the designated testing sites in Key West, but even she has been unable to determine whether she has the virus.Debra Lounders, 63, was ordered to self-isolate after traveling through the Fort Lauderdale airport where a T.S.A. agent tested positive. Ms. Lounders, who has a low-grade fever, a cough and feels sluggish, works at one of the designated testing sites in Key West, but even she has been unable to determine whether she has the virus.
“I work at one of the federal testing sites, and even they don’t have the tests,” she said. “The physician assistant at my job told me, ‘I wish I could help you, but I can’t.’”“I work at one of the federal testing sites, and even they don’t have the tests,” she said. “The physician assistant at my job told me, ‘I wish I could help you, but I can’t.’”
A nonprofit health center that opened a drive-through testing site in Palm Beach County was so overwhelmed that it had to stop taking new appointments. Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County said it could drastically increase the 100 tests it conducted daily if it had the proper materials, but its vendor is only supplying certain facilities.A nonprofit health center that opened a drive-through testing site in Palm Beach County was so overwhelmed that it had to stop taking new appointments. Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County said it could drastically increase the 100 tests it conducted daily if it had the proper materials, but its vendor is only supplying certain facilities.
Even a patient hospitalized in critical condition with telltale coronavirus symptoms struggled to get a test. Vickie Schafer, 61, did not get tested until Tuesday, when she was put on a ventilator and in a medically induced coma, said Crystal Lucas, her daughter-in-law.Even a patient hospitalized in critical condition with telltale coronavirus symptoms struggled to get a test. Vickie Schafer, 61, did not get tested until Tuesday, when she was put on a ventilator and in a medically induced coma, said Crystal Lucas, her daughter-in-law.
Ms. Schafer went to the emergency room at Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee, in western Palm Beach County, on Friday. It was not until two days later that doctors placed her in intensive care and brought in an infectious disease specialist, Ms. Lucas said. She was told that they swabbed Ms. Schafer for a coronavirus test, but the test was not actually done until two days later.Ms. Schafer went to the emergency room at Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee, in western Palm Beach County, on Friday. It was not until two days later that doctors placed her in intensive care and brought in an infectious disease specialist, Ms. Lucas said. She was told that they swabbed Ms. Schafer for a coronavirus test, but the test was not actually done until two days later.
She remains in isolation while awaiting the results.She remains in isolation while awaiting the results.
“If she’s dying, she’s doing it completely alone,” Ms. Lucas said through sobs. “People are going to be dying alone because they are suspected coronavirus cases, and we don’t even know.”“If she’s dying, she’s doing it completely alone,” Ms. Lucas said through sobs. “People are going to be dying alone because they are suspected coronavirus cases, and we don’t even know.”
Dr. Bruce L. Boros, who owns three urgent care facilities in the Florida Keys, said the medical community has had to scramble to handle the urgent requests for testing. “I got a million calls,” he said. “I made a million calls.”Dr. Bruce L. Boros, who owns three urgent care facilities in the Florida Keys, said the medical community has had to scramble to handle the urgent requests for testing. “I got a million calls,” he said. “I made a million calls.”
His three centers, spread over 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West, serve some 3,000 people a month — about 20 percent of them tourists. The centers were initially allocated a total of 15 tests and just got another 10.His three centers, spread over 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West, serve some 3,000 people a month — about 20 percent of them tourists. The centers were initially allocated a total of 15 tests and just got another 10.
Mr. DeSantis, a Republican, was at first reluctant to mandate mass cancellations of public events or restrictions on movement. But on Tuesday, after photos on social media showed crowds of tanned young people sunning shoulder-to-shoulder on the beaches, the governor shut down bars and nightclubs for a month and ordered restaurants to cut their seating capacity by half. He refused to close beaches, though groups will have to be no larger than 10.Mr. DeSantis, a Republican, was at first reluctant to mandate mass cancellations of public events or restrictions on movement. But on Tuesday, after photos on social media showed crowds of tanned young people sunning shoulder-to-shoulder on the beaches, the governor shut down bars and nightclubs for a month and ordered restaurants to cut their seating capacity by half. He refused to close beaches, though groups will have to be no larger than 10.
The crowds of young people on the beaches have been one of the biggest sources of concern.The crowds of young people on the beaches have been one of the biggest sources of concern.
“These kids are asymptomatic,” Dr. Boros said. “They are not going to cancel spring break. They are going to come down here, drink beer and have fun. We have pretty much done ourselves in.”“These kids are asymptomatic,” Dr. Boros said. “They are not going to cancel spring break. They are going to come down here, drink beer and have fun. We have pretty much done ourselves in.”
The governor’s latest restrictions came two days after Puerto Rico’s governor ordered a nighttime curfew and daytime shutdown.The governor’s latest restrictions came two days after Puerto Rico’s governor ordered a nighttime curfew and daytime shutdown.
Some localities in Florida went further, especially in densely populated South Florida. Miami-Dade County and Fort Lauderdale closed entertainment venues and all restaurants except for carryout service. The county also shut down all retail deemed nonessential.Some localities in Florida went further, especially in densely populated South Florida. Miami-Dade County and Fort Lauderdale closed entertainment venues and all restaurants except for carryout service. The county also shut down all retail deemed nonessential.
When the governor made his announcement, spring break was in full swing in Key West, where people filled the busy tourist drag, Duval Street, wearing green St. Patrick’s Day shirts, beers in hand.When the governor made his announcement, spring break was in full swing in Key West, where people filled the busy tourist drag, Duval Street, wearing green St. Patrick’s Day shirts, beers in hand.
On Thursday, though, all hotels in the Florida Keys were ordered to close.On Thursday, though, all hotels in the Florida Keys were ordered to close.
“We are essentially asking visitors to leave the Keys, much as we do during a hurricane evacuation,” said Mayor Heather Carruthers of Monroe County, which encompasses the entire Florida Keys.“We are essentially asking visitors to leave the Keys, much as we do during a hurricane evacuation,” said Mayor Heather Carruthers of Monroe County, which encompasses the entire Florida Keys.
The City of Key West ordered the closure of any businesses that “support social gatherings” of 10 or more people, including gymnasiums, movie theaters, museums and sightseeing vehicles.The City of Key West ordered the closure of any businesses that “support social gatherings” of 10 or more people, including gymnasiums, movie theaters, museums and sightseeing vehicles.
There have been no coronavirus cases in Monroe County, but the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas have nearly 200, and the movement of the virus was seen as inevitable, county officials said.There have been no coronavirus cases in Monroe County, but the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas have nearly 200, and the movement of the virus was seen as inevitable, county officials said.
The more than 13,000 hotel rooms in Monroe County are normally booked at this time of year. Hotels were directed to take no further reservations, and current visitors were ordered to leave by Sunday at 6 p.m. The order is in effect for 14 days.The more than 13,000 hotel rooms in Monroe County are normally booked at this time of year. Hotels were directed to take no further reservations, and current visitors were ordered to leave by Sunday at 6 p.m. The order is in effect for 14 days.
“This is a virus that is affecting the whole state but I think it affects different communities differently,” Mr. DeSantis said in making his announcement earlier. “The response may not always be the same on every little thing. We have counties that have not had a single case.”“This is a virus that is affecting the whole state but I think it affects different communities differently,” Mr. DeSantis said in making his announcement earlier. “The response may not always be the same on every little thing. We have counties that have not had a single case.”
The former governor, Rick Scott, now Florida’s junior senator, had a different view.The former governor, Rick Scott, now Florida’s junior senator, had a different view.
“The more we test, the more we can keep people informed and keep Americans and their families safe,” Mr. Scott, a Republican who is himself in isolation as a precaution, said on Twitter on Wednesday. “Every county in the US should have a mobile testing center up and running by Friday. No excuses.”“The more we test, the more we can keep people informed and keep Americans and their families safe,” Mr. Scott, a Republican who is himself in isolation as a precaution, said on Twitter on Wednesday. “Every county in the US should have a mobile testing center up and running by Friday. No excuses.”
In response to inquiries from The New York Times, the Florida Department of Health said it is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testing guidelines, which allow for the testing of symptomatic older people, people with underlying medical conditions and people hospitalized with Covid-19 symptoms. It said health care providers were free to test their patients who do not meet the criteria.In response to inquiries from The New York Times, the Florida Department of Health said it is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testing guidelines, which allow for the testing of symptomatic older people, people with underlying medical conditions and people hospitalized with Covid-19 symptoms. It said health care providers were free to test their patients who do not meet the criteria.
But interviews with a wide range of people around Florida suggest that even people who meet these criteria are often not being tested because there are still not enough test kits. Some said they were asked to meet stricter standards than the state’s published criteria.But interviews with a wide range of people around Florida suggest that even people who meet these criteria are often not being tested because there are still not enough test kits. Some said they were asked to meet stricter standards than the state’s published criteria.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“I am very, very angry about how things are being handled,” said Alexa Lane, 45, whose husband and two children were exposed at their synagogue in Palm Beach County but have not been able to get tested. “I feel like it’s not being taken seriously enough. If we don’t have the tests, we don’t have the numbers, we don’t have the correct precautions in place.”“I am very, very angry about how things are being handled,” said Alexa Lane, 45, whose husband and two children were exposed at their synagogue in Palm Beach County but have not been able to get tested. “I feel like it’s not being taken seriously enough. If we don’t have the tests, we don’t have the numbers, we don’t have the correct precautions in place.”
As of Wednesday, a total of 2,493 tests had been conducted in a state of more than 21 million people. Twenty-four Florida counties listed test totals in the single digits.As of Wednesday, a total of 2,493 tests had been conducted in a state of more than 21 million people. Twenty-four Florida counties listed test totals in the single digits.
By Thursday, 432 people had tested positive, many of them in South Florida.By Thursday, 432 people had tested positive, many of them in South Florida.
“I think we need to do way more tests than that,” Mr. DeSantis acknowledged on Wednesday. Testing capacity has grown over the past week, he said, but there have been shortages of swabs and chemicals, and drive-through sites have taken longer than expected to open. The governor said that getting more testing material was his “number one priority.”“I think we need to do way more tests than that,” Mr. DeSantis acknowledged on Wednesday. Testing capacity has grown over the past week, he said, but there have been shortages of swabs and chemicals, and drive-through sites have taken longer than expected to open. The governor said that getting more testing material was his “number one priority.”
There have been suspected or confirmed coronavirus cases in at least 19 elder-care facilities across the state.There have been suspected or confirmed coronavirus cases in at least 19 elder-care facilities across the state.
Mary Mayhew, who heads the state agency that oversees nursing homes, has asked hospitals to identify empty wings and buildings that the state could use if needed for patients who become gravely ill from the virus. Jared Moskowitz, Florida’s emergency management director, said the state planned to deploy a 100-bed field hospital near The Villages and two 250-bed field hospitals in Broward County and Orlando.Mary Mayhew, who heads the state agency that oversees nursing homes, has asked hospitals to identify empty wings and buildings that the state could use if needed for patients who become gravely ill from the virus. Jared Moskowitz, Florida’s emergency management director, said the state planned to deploy a 100-bed field hospital near The Villages and two 250-bed field hospitals in Broward County and Orlando.
The state has asked the federal government for supplies, including two million masks, 50,000 small bottles of hand sanitizer and 5,000 ventilators. And Mr. Moskowitz has asked if Navy hospital ships might dock at the state’s ports.The state has asked the federal government for supplies, including two million masks, 50,000 small bottles of hand sanitizer and 5,000 ventilators. And Mr. Moskowitz has asked if Navy hospital ships might dock at the state’s ports.
“This is the largest logistics operation the state of Florida has ever run,” he said.“This is the largest logistics operation the state of Florida has ever run,” he said.
Unlike a hurricane, the coronavirus affects every county.Unlike a hurricane, the coronavirus affects every county.
In The Villages, a sanctum of sunshine, golf and afternoon happy hours, the first nearby case was reported on Tuesday in Lake County, though most of the retirement community is in neighboring Sumter County.In The Villages, a sanctum of sunshine, golf and afternoon happy hours, the first nearby case was reported on Tuesday in Lake County, though most of the retirement community is in neighboring Sumter County.
Catherine Hardy, 64, a Villages resident, said her weekly card game was canceled, though her husband was still golfing. Her friend Cindy Comer, 64, who returned home from Cincinnati last week, placed herself in isolation to protect her 87-year-old parents who live down the street.Catherine Hardy, 64, a Villages resident, said her weekly card game was canceled, though her husband was still golfing. Her friend Cindy Comer, 64, who returned home from Cincinnati last week, placed herself in isolation to protect her 87-year-old parents who live down the street.
In Boca Raton, Fran Greenberg, 63, said she was worried about her 88-year-old mother who lives in an independent senior living facility.In Boca Raton, Fran Greenberg, 63, said she was worried about her 88-year-old mother who lives in an independent senior living facility.
“I am freaking out,” she said. “They absolutely did not take this seriously soon enough. Just yesterday, the beaches and Disney were still packed. What is the risk to Florida? In two months, somebody I know could be sick. Somebody I know could be dead.” (Disney World closed on Monday.)“I am freaking out,” she said. “They absolutely did not take this seriously soon enough. Just yesterday, the beaches and Disney were still packed. What is the risk to Florida? In two months, somebody I know could be sick. Somebody I know could be dead.” (Disney World closed on Monday.)
Carlos Migoya, president and chief executive of the Jackson Health System in Miami, said his staff would be able to significantly ramp up testing by Monday. The hospitals have acquired lab equipment to run hundreds of tests a day with results back in a few hours. Previously, samples had to be sent out and returned in two days to a week, Mr. Migoya said.Carlos Migoya, president and chief executive of the Jackson Health System in Miami, said his staff would be able to significantly ramp up testing by Monday. The hospitals have acquired lab equipment to run hundreds of tests a day with results back in a few hours. Previously, samples had to be sent out and returned in two days to a week, Mr. Migoya said.
“We have been known to take care of epidemics from Zika to Ebola,” he said. “We are prepared for this.”“We have been known to take care of epidemics from Zika to Ebola,” he said. “We are prepared for this.”
Patricia Mazzei reported from Miami; Frances Robles from Key West, Fla.; and Audra D.S. Burch from Hollywood, Fla. Alain Delaquérière and Sheelagh McNeill contributed research.Patricia Mazzei reported from Miami; Frances Robles from Key West, Fla.; and Audra D.S. Burch from Hollywood, Fla. Alain Delaquérière and Sheelagh McNeill contributed research.