Florida sets new record with over 9,500 new COVID-19 cases, Miami-Dade closing beaches over July 4th
A security guard checks the temperature of a woman at the entrance of a restaurant on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida on June 24, 2020. -Nearly half of the 50 US states have seen an increase in infections over the past two weeks, with some -- suc
MIAMI - The state of Florida has set another record in daily confirmed coronavirus cases.
Florida health officials on Saturday reported more than 9,500 new COVID-19 cases, surpassing the previous day's total by more than 600 confirmed cases. The figures come as officials move to reclose beaches and discourage bar gatherings.
Experts say the true figure is undoubtedly higher. This is both because of incomplete testing and because it is becoming clearer to scientists that a significant number of people become infected with the virus but do not feel sick or show symptoms.
The state's Department of Health said 24 more people have died with COVID-19, raising the death toll to 3,390.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 also are ticking upward statewide. Although they are not rising as dramatically as the reported number of cases, they are approaching the levels of new admissions seen in April and May.
Miami-Dade County announced late Friday it would reclose beaches from July 3 to July 7 to prevent large gatherings and the spread of the new virus during Fourth of July celebrations in the state's hardest hit area.