Florida reported nearly 32,000 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, the most in a day during the pandemic, according to figures from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The total of 31,758 – published Friday on the CDC’s website – surpassed the previous high, set Aug 27, when Florida reported 27,668 additional cases as the delta strain of the coronavirus spread across the state and nation.
On Wednesday, Florida reported 26,811 new cases. Infections statewide have risen by nearly 300% over the past several days.
Through Thursday, Florida has had 3,864,288 cases since the pandemic began in March 2020 and 62,374 deaths.
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The number of new COVID-19 cases in each county was not immediately available Friday evening.
Nationwide surge fueled by omicron variant
The surge comes as omicron has become the dominant stage of the coronavirus, which creates the potentially deadly respiratory ailment known as COVID-19. The virus has killed more than 814,000 people in the U.S.
Medical officials say it appears people infected with the omicron variant are suffering fewer severe symptoms. But, they said, it’s too soon to be certain of its effects since the variant surfaced only last month.
With the surge in cases, the agency has urged everyone to wear masks while in crowded indoor spaces, especially during the holiday weekend. Long lines at testing facilities in Palm Beach County and at check-in at Palm Beach International Airport this week suggest people were planning to travel and gather for the holiday.
About 65 percent of all Florida residents over the age of 5 are fully vaccinated, according to government reports. That’s lower than the national vaccination rate of 72%, USA Today reported this week.
In Palm Beach County, testing sites will be closed Saturday for the Christmas holiday.
Testing centers that will reopen Sunday include: the Palm Beach Gardens library, open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Gaines Park in West Palm Beach, open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; the Mid-County Senior Center in Palm Springs, open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the Belle Glade site from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Information on locations can be found at pbcgov.org/coronavirus and at hcdpbc.org.