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ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health reported more than 12,000 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday when it put its new telephone vaccination appointment system to the test.
The FDOH launched a pilot program of the system in an effort to support local counties with the high demand for coronavirus vaccines. It’s a system Governor Ron DeSantis had been hinting at in recent weeks as he traversed the state to expand Pubix’s vaccination program, saying the hotline is part of the state’s strategy of putting “ seniors first. ” to set.
According to the tweet from Broward’s health department, people 65 and older, along with primary care health workers, can call (866) 201-6313 to request an appointment. People with a hearing impairment can call (833) 476-1526.
News 6 called the number to see how the hotline works.
The system provides directions in English and Spanish. An automated voice asks the caller a series of questions to check their eligibility and asks callers if they are health professionals or 65 or older.
People are also asked to enter their date of birth, phone number, and zip code so that the hotline can connect the caller to a nearby vaccination location. If no vaccine is available, the automatic voice will say it will call the number entered if vaccine is available in the caller’s area.
State officials said a phone system was more suitable for seniors, who may be less used to web-based technology and may need more assistance.
As the hotline continues to be formally rolled out, Florida is working to make sure the vaccines are for residents only.
In a two-page advisory signed by Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, the State Health Department noted that “the vaccine remains scarce in the United States and the availability of vaccines in Florida is extremely limited.”
As a result, Rivkees issued a public health advisory that “prioritizes Floridians for the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida.”
That means vaccine providers must confirm whether a shot recipient is a permanent or seasonal resident by providing a driver’s license or a host of other documents, including rental contracts and utility bills, as outlined by the state health department.
Click here to find out if you are eligible for a vaccine in Florida.
[READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Virus death toll surpasses 25,000 amid Florida’s rollout of COVID-19 vaccine system]
Cases
The Florida Department of Health reported 12,157 new cases Saturday, bringing the state’s total total up 1,639,914 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began in March.
Deaths
Florida reported 156 new virus-related deaths Saturday, bringing the death toll to 25,561. This number includes the 397 non-residents who died in Florida.
Hospital admissions
As of Saturday afternoon there were currently According to the State Agency for Health Care Administration, 6,698 people have been hospitalized in Florida with the virus.
Since March 70,002 people have been hospitalized in Florida after complications from COVID-19. That number includes the 267 new ones Patients recently hospitalized for the virus, according to the health department’s daily report released Friday.
Positivity rate
The percentage of positive results was 6.54% on Saturday, a significant decrease from the day before.
Health officials say the rate should stay between 5% and 10% to prove that a community has a hold on the virus and is keeping infections in check.
Vaccinations
The Florida Department of Health recently began publishing a daily report on COVID-19 vaccines being administered statewide.
As of Saturday, 1,389,149 people have been vaccinated in Florida. The FDOH also reports that 139,345 people received their second shot.
The state originally reported how many people were late for their second vaccination, but has since removed that data point.
[Register for the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida here]
| Province | Cases | New cases | Hospital admissions | New hospital admissions | Deaths | New deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brevard | 27,542 | 297 | 1,695 | 10 | 609 | 6 |
| Flagler | 4,940 | 35 | 281 | 0 | 60 | -1 |
| Lake | 20,470 | 174 | 1088 | 1 | 386 | -6 |
| Marion | 23,209 | 159 | 1,503 | 14 | 562 | 2 |
| Orange | 97,842 | 994 | 2158 | 9 | 893 | 0 |
| Osceola | 32,033 | 299 | 1.168 | 3 | 334 | 1 |
| Polk | 47,795 | 541 | 3,680 | 15 | 928 | 8 |
| Seminole | 22,928 | 171 | 1013 | 10 | 353 | 0 |
| Sumter | 6,706 | 60 | 434 | 1 | 169 | -1 |
| Volusia | 29,051 | 201 | 1,442 | 3 | 492 | 0 |
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