The latest Coronavirus numbers released by the Florida Department of Health show that there have been 36 new positive cases and 221 new negative results in Highlands County.
Of the 13,232 tests administered locally over the past five months – 12,308 have been negative with 912 positives. There have been 119 people hospitalized at some point during their illness and 16 deaths have been tied to the corona virus since numbers started being kept.
Better late than never. Graduation ceremonies for Highlands County Schools students will begin this evening. The ceremonies, usually held in June, were pushed back due to fears over spread of the Coronavirus.
Seniors from Sebring Senior High School will get their diplomas this evening at the Alan Jay Arena at the Highlands County Fairgrounds. Avon Park seniors will have their chance tomorrow night with Lake Placid to hold their ceremonies on Saturday evening. Students from the Highlands County Virtual School will get their certificates Saturday morning.
NEWS 7/23/20 BF
CHAMBER MASK
Although there are no government-ordered mask mandates in Highlands, Hardee, Desoto, Polk or Okechobee counties, there are some businesses which require masks for customers to enter.
In an effort to help keep local residents informed about where they will be required to do face coverings, the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce has started a list of businesses that require masks to enter.
Chamber officials say they will post that list on their website for customers to reference.
While some activities have been declining due to the current situation, officials of the Avon Park Air Force Range say that does not include them.
Apparently, exercises at the bombing range will continue throughout the week. Exactly what kind of aircraft and military hardware will be involved has not yet been released.