Recently, we’ve been getting lots of updates out of California and Florida about coronavirus cases, state regulations in light of the pandemic, and other information.

And while we’ve heard that COVID-19 cases are increasing in California and seen the impact its had on certain counties and the tiers they are in, today we got an update from Florida in terms of its numbers of COVID-19 cases. 

According to ClickOrlando.com and a filing with the Florida Department of Health, Florida has surpassed the 1 million coronavirus infections mark as of December 1st. ClickOrlando.com also reports that December may be the month during which a COVID-19 vaccine could be distributed.

Governor DeSantis, during his recent press conference, indicated that he expects Florida will receive “up to 2 million of the first available COVID-19 vaccines when approved by the FDA.” DeSantis has noted that the first doses in Florida will likely go to long-term facilities.

During his press conference, DeSantis also spoke about mask mandates, virtual school, and other updates, indicating that there would be “no lockdowns, no fines, no school closures.” DeSantis also praised Florida theme parks for the way in which they’ve handled the pandemic.

Click here to read more about Governor DeSantis’ statements during his recent press conference.

ClickOrlando.com notes that the impact of Thanksgiving will take around 2 weeks to reflect in terms of COVID-19 testing and cases, but Orange County health officials are “encouraging anyone who attended a big gathering to get tested regardless of symptoms.” Dr. Raul Pino from Florida’s Department of Health said that their concern is “asymptomatic people,” which made up about 25% of the cases in Orange County and is up to 50% of cases in some parts of the country.

Dr. Pino also noted that we are “about to enter a critical phase in the pandemic.” According to the Florida Department of Health, the total cases in Florida is now 1,008,166 — 991,910 of which are Florida Residents, and 16,256 which are Non-Florida Residents.

Update: According to the Orlando Sentinel, Florida’s resident death toll from coronavirus has risen to 18,874, with 98 reported fatalities on December 3rd. It was the most deaths reported in a single day since late October — note that these deaths are from a span of weeks but are being reported for the first time.

Additionally, the Orlando Sentinel reports that there are now 10,870 more positive cases in Florida, bringing the total positive cases as of Thursday, December 3rd, to 1,029,030. That’s the highest single-day case total since late July and the first time over 10,000 cases since mid-November.

The Orlando Sentinel notes that about 1 in 21 people in Florida have now been infected with COVID-19, and the number is closer to 1 in 23 nationally and 1 in 120 across the world.

Although Disney World has recently increased capacity in its Florida theme parks, various health and safety measures were implemented when the parks reopened and are still in effect. Namely, guests have their temperature checked before entering any park and Disney Springs.

Guests are also required to wear masks at all times while visiting Disney World (including when taking photos) except when stationary and actively eating or drinking. Disney has recently updated their mask announcements to note that guests are not allowed to eat or drink while waiting in line for an attraction. Guests who fail to wear their masks properly will be asked to leave.

In California, the state has also surpassed 1,000,000 COVID-19 cases. According to the California Department of Public Health, the state has 1,225,189 positive COVID-19 cases as of December 1st, 2020.

Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in California has implemented similar health and safety measures as in Florida in terms of requiring masks, physical distancing, temperature screenings, and more.

We will be on the lookout for more COVID-19 news, particularly as it relates to Florida, California, and the Disney World theme parks around the world. We will let you know if we find any more updates.

Qantas airlines could require a COVID-19 vaccine for international travel. Click here to learn more.

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