Florida records 12,624 new COVID-19 cases

Florida recorded 12,624 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a total down slightly from the previous day but still among the highest single-day figures recorded in any state, according to The Miami Herald. 

The high case numbers come as Florida has supplanted New York as the nation’s epicenter for the virus. The state had recorded 15,300 new cases on Sunday, setting a single-day record for the nation.

The Florida Department of Health said there were 35 new deaths Monday, the lowest daily death count in more than a week, though deaths have been trending upward over a two-week period. The state has 282,435 cases and 4,277 deaths.

The state’s positivity rate — or the percentage of tests coming back positive — has continued to decline slightly after the daily average peaked at nearly 19 percent last week.

Monday’s reported positivity rate for new cases was 11.5 percent, up slightly from 11.25 percent the previous day. A month ago, the positive rate hovered around 5 percent. 

Florida has tested more than 2.6 million people, with 1.6 million tests administered since May 31. 

The state has continued to pursue reopening. Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom opened Saturday, and Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are slated to open Wednesday.