Health & Science

More than 25,000 Florida residents have died since the COVID-19 pandemic hit early last year, according to numbers released Friday by the state Department of Health.

Two doctors who are part of the Food and Drug Administration's vaccine advisory group answered questions today about getting inoculated against COVID-19.

County health departments are largely taking on administering the vaccine to community members older than 65, while hospitals have been prioritizing medical staff.

Floridians have been left confused and frustrated by the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine. While most expected a unified distribution plan the responsibility has been passed on to the state’s 67 local health departments—which has led to a patchwork of policies. But Florida Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz says he thinks those kinks will soon get worked out. He spoke during a virtual press conference Wednesday.

St. Petersburg Republican Senator Jeff Brandes has filed a bill to protect business from “frivolous” COVID-19-related lawsuits. Brandes says the measure is at the top of his agenda.

School teachers are calling for a change in the vaccine distribution plan created by Governor Ron DeSantis. While DeSantis says he’s prioritizing the highly vulnerable elderly population first, school employees are asking to be included on the priority list. Scott Mazur is the president of the Leon Classroom Teachers Association.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is announcing plans to open additional vaccination sites, as well as converting current COVID-19 testing sites. He says about 80% of COVID-19 vaccines sent to the state have been given to hospitals across Florida.

A shipment of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Tallahassee. Inoculations for front-line healthcare workers are underway.

The COVID-19 test site at FAMU’s Bragg Memorial Stadium is closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. People who wish to get a test can do so Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Will you be home alone for the holidays? Missing your usual festivities?COVID-19 vaccines are bringing hope for some normalcy in 2021. In the meantime, we’re working with what we’ve got.