Florida COVID-19 cases fell below 60,000 last week for the first time since early July. That’s 100,000 fewer new weekly cases than we had just 4 weeks ago. We hope to see a continuation of this decline as more people either get vaccinated or become immune due to already having COVID. 
We also saw the first decline in Florida weekly COVID deaths last week. This is an encouraging sign that the worst of this “Delta Wave” may be behind us.
MIAMI-DADE COVID-19 CASES
In Miami-Dade County, we had 7,245 new reported cases of COVID-19 last week. It’s lower than the prior week, but the rate of decline has slowed down.
CASES / DEATHS BY AGE
The Florida Department of Health reported another 1,434 fatalities last week among seniors 65 and over. They represented 13% of all new cases, but 61% of last week’s fatalities. Folks, if there’s one group that should absolutely, positively be vaccinated, it’s our seniors.
On the flip side, those 16 and under (most of which can’t get the vaccine even if they wanted to) represented 22% of all new cases, but just 0.128% of all fatalities.
As we have repeated over and over again, this disease has a much higher mortality rate the older you are. Also, if you are in your 40s or 50s and are diabetic, overweight, and / or suffer from hyper tension, guess what? You also increase your risk of having severe complications from COVID.
Folks, this isn’t the Spanish flu that was knocking out healthy 20 year olds. COVID-19 is most vicious with the frail, the elderly, the out of shape, the sick (aka those with underlying conditions). This is a great time to watch what you eat, take your vitamins, and add some exercise to your routine.
VACCINATIONS
Folks, we’ve been recommending the vaccination since it first became available. We continue to recommend you get vaccinated. If you have any hesitation, talk to your primary care provider. There are multiple vaccines to choose from and your doctor can give you their professional opinion about which vaccine makes most sense for your health plan.
God bless you all and stay safe.
