New Coronavirus numbers released this morning by the FloridaDepartment of Health show that there have been 25 new positive results and 151 negative tests. Of the 11,146 tests administered locally over the past four months – 10,570 have been negative with 557 positives. There have been 85 people hospitalized at some point during their illness and 13 deaths have been tied to the corona virus since numbers started being kept back in February.
Avon Park city council members will gather tonight for another virtual session. Among other things, they will get a report on money the city can expect from the so-called “CARES” Act. City Manager Mark Schrader will give a report on how much money will be coming in from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Recovery Act and where it should go.
Councilwoman Maria Sutherland also is expected to bring up a discussion on a mandated mask order for the City of Charm. Highlands County commissioners decided against such an order after Sheriff Paul Blackman said it would be very difficult to enforce such a statute.
Highlands County Sheriff’s officials are asking people to quit calling the jail to find out which five inmates there have tested positive for the Coronavirus. They note that federal HIPPA statutes prevent them from releasing any of that information.
According to reports, the inmates began to show symptoms a week ago and were immediately quarantined. The cases were confirmed Friday. Spokesmen say jail procedures have been in place since March to provide for screening, cleaning and protective measures.
It remains unclear how the virus got into the jail facility.
Highlands County school officials say there is increasing interest in classes offered by the Highlands Virtual School. they say the best way to learn about the online classes is…well.. online.
School officials say they have posted a number of informational videos about the school on their YouTube channel. They say links to those videos are easily accessible on the Highlands Virtual School’s web page.