Long lines of drivers waiting for COVID-19 tests were spotted in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, on Monday as Florida deals with a massive COVID-19 surge. Florida is now leading the nation in per capita hospitalizations for COVID-19. The state has more than 10,200 COVID hospitalizations, compared to about 1,000 six weeks ago.
Hospitalizations have grown tenfold statewide in just over a month as the more contagious delta variant spreads, with more than 95% of COVID patients unvaccinated.
Florida’s largest hospital systems are expanding their COVID units, limiting visitors and fearing staffing shortages.
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says the surge is seasonal, caused by people gathering inside to avoid the summer heat and humidity. He has barred local governments and school districts from imposing mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements.
