Dr. Raul Pino returns to work in Orange County following investigation by inspector general, FDOH says
Dr. Raul Pino returns to work Friday as the head of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County following an investigation by Florida's inspector general into an email the doctor sent to staff about the rate of vaccinations within his department, according to FDOH.
Dr. Raul Pino โfinal fateโ still unknown during continuing investigation, Orange County mayor says
Itโs been a month and a half since the Florida Department of Health relieved its top official in Orange County, pending an investigation the agency says it handed over to the Office of the Inspector General.
Orange County mayor swipes at Gov. DeSantis over COVID response, says testing sites are overwhelmed
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said county COVID-19 testing sites have been flooded with demand amid a wave of new infections and blamed a lack of response from Gov. Ron DeSantis, in part, for the sites being overwhelmed.
Orange County seeing COVID-19 numbers similar to January, health department says
Orange County leaders will give an update on the county's COVID-19 response just days after Mayor Jerry Demings said he was making plans in case it becomes necessary to take action to combat a rising number of coronavirus cases.
CDC offers warning on delta variant as Florida averages 1,500+ new cases per day in last week
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky says she expects the delta variant will become the dominant coronavirus strain in the U.S. The delta variant, first detected in India, has become dominant in Britain.
Health officials must sway people reluctant to get vaccine in order to reach herd immunity
Herd immunity to the coronavirus is within reach, health officials say, but the struggle is trying to educate people who have already decided against getting the vaccine and encourage them to change their minds.
โItโs concerning:โ Up to 40,000 Orange County residents have skipped second COVID-19 vaccine dose
Orange County residents who are overdue on their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to complete the series as quickly as possible, especially as the two largest sites in the region wind down operations.
Rep. Val Demings hosts COVID-19 virtual town hall with Dr. Anthony Fauci
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Florida Rep. Val Demings hosted a virtual town hall on Wednesday with Dr. Anthony Fauci and local health experts to help answer constituentsโ questions regarding the pandemic. Theyโre all really very good.โAdSome wanted to know how much longer we will have to wear masks and practice social distancing. Fauci said even as more people get vaccinated, the pandemic isnโt over yet. Weโre going to be able to pull back on that soon but not quite yet,โ Fauci said. Orange County health officer Dr. Raul Pino also joined in on the virtual call, as well as representatives from FEMA and local pharmacies administering the vaccine.
Spring breakers could cause increase in COVID-19 cases in Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ While spring break in Central Florida has been tame compared to other parts of the state, the region could still see an increase in COVID-19 cases as a result of the influx of visitors. He added that spring break travel tends to be staggered since different schools celebrate it at different times, which is another cause for concern. As was the case during the summer, younger residents are making up a good portion of the new infections. He and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said that making sure those younger residents get vaccinated once theyโre eligible next week will be crucial in order to achieve herd immunity. AdDemings expects to use social media platforms and perhaps enlist help from athletes or other high-profile figures to encourage younger residents who may be less willing to get the shot.
Young adults seeing higher infection rates as Florida reports 5,759 new COVID-19 cases
Orange County reported on Thursday that people age 45 and under account for one-third of COVID-19 hospitalizations. AdNews 6 asked the Florida Department of Health if they are tracking re-infections and we have not heard back. [READ YESTERDAYโS REPORT: DeSantis announces vaccine eligibility expansion as Florida reports 5,803 new COVID-19 cases ]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on March 26. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 5,759 new cases on Friday, bringing the stateโs overall total to 2,033,179 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations on the rise for young adults in Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Dr. Raul Pino with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said the county is preparing for what is expected to be a busy six weeks. โThereโs going to be an initial period where the demand is a lot higher than our ability to fulfill that demand,โ Pino said. Orange County reported on Thursday that people age 45 and under account for one-third of COVID-19 hospitalizations. However, the Orange County Convention Center is already offering vaccination appointments for that age group. The decision to part ways from the governorโs order was made by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings earlier this month.
Orange County Mayor touts vaccination efforts, extends free COIVD-19 testing
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Orange County will soon be back in line with the state guidelines for COVID-19 vaccine eligibility after Gov. โWe are pleased to hear that the governor has moved in the direction that we for suggesting, just a week ago,โ Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Thursday during a briefing. The mayor went on to tout the countyโs vaccination efforts, including the recent push to get the vaccine to homebound seniors. โSince Tuesday of this week, state canvassers and firefighter-paramedics shared crucial vaccine information, with some 6,000 households and vaccinated 250 homebound residents. Pino said that so far 416,241 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Orange County.
Anyone 40+ can get vaccinated at Orange County Convention Center
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Anyone 40 and older is now eligible to get the coronavirus vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center. Ron DeSantis will prevent Orange County from making the move. County officials said crews can administer 3,100 COVID-19 doses a day at the convention center. Orange County officials said 57% of people 60 and older in Orange County have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The county also offers free transportation for anyone 60 and older with a scheduled appointment to the Orange County Convention Center and the FEMA site at the west campus of Valencia College.
Florida reports 4,852 new COVID-19 cases as health officials ask public to be vigilant during spring break
Dr. Raul Pino, health officer with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, said Monday the countyโs virus recovery rate is at 97%, likely the highest itโs ever been. Ad[READ YESTERDAYโS REPORT: 1.4 million more Floridians newly eligible for COVID-19 vaccine; 2.2 million now fully vaccinated]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on March 16. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 4,832 new cases on Tuesday, bringing the stateโs overall total to 1,984,425 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1, 2020. HospitalizationsAs of Tuesday afternoon, there were currently 3,052 people with the virus hospitalized in Florida, according to the state Agency for Health Care Administration. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health began releasing a daily report in December on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.
Will spring break bring a spike in COVID-19 cases to Orange County?
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ In the past week, Florida saw a drop in new COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations. With both St. Patrickโs Day and Spring Break crowds expected this week, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said people still need to take precautions. Ron DeSantis threw out all fines issued by local governments to businesses, Boldig said that his inspectors have law enforcement backup. Dr. Raul Pino with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said that that itโs his understanding the theme parks expect to reach capacity during the next couple of weeks and is hopeful the county wonโt see a spike in cases. Orange County said there is a 99% compliance rate with businesses it inspects.
Latest coronavirus figures show Orange County is in โvery good shape,โ leading doctor says
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ After a yearlong battle to stop the spread of COVID-19, things may be looking up in Orange County. โI have to say that the county is in very good shape regarding the pandemic as well as the vaccination efforts. AdOrange County has seen a cumulative total of 114,434 COVID-19 cases, 2,386 and 1,104 deaths, according to the Florida Department of Health. Adding to his optimism is the approval of the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine and the governorโs decision to expand eligibility requirements so that teachers and first responders over 50 years old can get inoculated. The county should get doses from Johnson & Johnson this week, though they wonโt be administered at the convention center site.
Those fake Florida grannies got their first COVID-19 vaccine doses after all
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Two women who pretended to be senior citizens so they could receive the COVID-19 vaccine were actually able to get the shots the first time around, even if they werenโt as lucky the second time. Ad[TRENDING: HOA charges family $927 for trash on curb | Doctor faces hate crime charge in social distancing attack | Mandatory vaccines for first responders?] Body camera video provided by the Orange County Sheriffโs Office shows deputies scolding the two women, who did not appear to be wearing disguises as Pino described. Youโve stolen a vaccine from someone that needs it more than you and now youโre not going to get your second one,โ a deputy told the pair. Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com Strange Florida newsletter, sent every Friday.
โYouโve stolen a vaccine:โ Video shows women who posed as seniors at Florida COVID-19 vaccination site
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Body camera video released Friday shows deputies scolding two women who tried to pose as seniors so they could get the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center site. Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said two women came to the site Wednesday โdressed up as granniesโ so they could receive their second shot. Right now, Florida is only vaccinating those 65 and older, as well as health care workers. Youโve stolen a vaccine from someone that needs it more than you and now youโre not going to get your second one,โ a deputy told the pair. He said itโs possible the women may have known someone at the site who allowed them access.
Young Florida women dressed as grannies to get coronavirus vaccine -- and it may have worked
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ With bonnets on their heads and bespectacled faces, two young women pretended to be seniors so they could get the coronavirus vaccine, and it seems their ruse may have actually worked at least one time. Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said the pair was busted when they tried to get their second shot on Wednesday at the Orange County Convention Center. Heโs not sure how or even if the two young women were able to get their first doses but when they showed up Wednesday to complete the series, they presented a valid vaccination card. AdโPeople get really, really apprehensive about getting the vaccine, โI want it now.โ And some people get really emotional. Still, he knows the two young women arenโt the only ones to slip through the cracks.
State attorney changes incarceration policy due to Orange County jailโs COVID-19 outbreak
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Orange Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell is changing her officeโs policy on seeking incarceration for defendants in response to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Orange County jail. The policy comes after an outbreak of virus cases at the Orange County Jail where 83 inmates contracted the virus, according to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. The statement echos Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, who referred to jails as a โpetri dishโ during a news conference last week. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said the jail has about 2,600 inmates housed there. AdโWhat we donโt want is people sitting in custody pre trial, because they cant afford to get out of jail,โ Worrell said.
Is the demand for coronavirus testing decreasing?
The lines looked similar at the statewide testing site at the Orange County Convention Center Thursday afternoon. News 6 asked Mayor Demings if the decrease in the demand for testing could reduce the number of days the site is open. โThat may be something we would do going into the future.โAdCounty officials said they will determine to keep Barnett Park open on a month-by-month basis. As for the potential reasons for the decrease in testing demand, Orange County Department of Healthโs Dr. Raul Pino said there are multiple factors. โWe have seen this before, when we went off the increase from last summer, we saw the decrease in demand.
โItโs still not what it should be:โ Orange County mayor frustrated with state over vaccine communications
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings expressed some ongoing frustration with the state and its handling of vaccine distribution during a news briefing on Thursday. He said 44.9% of Orange Countyโs senior citizens have been vaccinated. In all 111,966 people living in Orange County have been vaccinated. Orange Countyโs online vaccine appointment portal is set to reopen on Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. for the Orange County Convention Center site. The doctor added that a thousand doses that were supposed to be stored in Orange County could not be delivered.
UCF student diagnosed with U.K. coronavirus variant
ORLANDO, Fla. โ A student at the University of Central Florida has been diagnosed with a variant of the coronavirus first found in the United Kingdom and thought to be more easily transmissible. The unidentified student tested positive this week, Michael Deichen, associate vice president of UCF Student Health Services said Thursday in a statement on the university's website. University officials said the student was isolated and contact tracing measures were taken. AdDr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said the student did not live on campus. Tens of thousands of college students around the nation have tested positive for the virus, and some campuses have seen spikes in cases with students returning to campus.
Appointments open up for Orange County Convention Center vaccination site
Seniors who were eager to protect themselves against COVID-19 formed long lines snaked around Orange County Convention Centerโs north concourse for Modernaโs COVID-19 vaccine appointments on Tuesday. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ The portal reopened Monday to allow residents to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at the Orange County Convention Center, but it closed less than an hour later, officials said. Those who do get an appointment will receive a QR code that they are asked to bring with them to the convention center along with proof of residency. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has reached capacity for the COVID-19 vaccination appointments at the @OCCC. Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County reminded those who are unable to attend their appointment to cancel it online.
Leading Orange County doctor โpleasantly surprisedโ to see vaccineโs impact on COVID-19 data
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Vaccination efforts that have now been underway since late last year are starting to reduce the number of new COVID-19 cases being reported among the local elderly population. Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said heโs โpleasantly surprisedโ to see cases dropping already. This chart shows vaccination numbers vs. COVID-19 cases numbers (in blue) for Orange County residents 65 and older. (Orange County government)Though the vaccination process is just beginning, Pino said he likes what he sees so far. Ten U.K. variant cases have been reported in Orange County already and Pino said that number could continue to grow if mitigation measures arenโt followed.
First Orange County resident with UK COVID-19 variant detected
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ The first case of an Orange County resident with the U.K. COVID-19 variant, B1.1.7, has now been detected. Dr. Raul Pino, with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, announced the recent infection during a news briefing on Thursday. AdRight now, that doesnโt seem to be the case, Pino said, but this isnโt the only genetic modification of the virus. Demings also praised Orange County Fire Rescue for setting up mobile vaccination sites at 12 senior living communities and houses of worship. The Orange County Convention Center remains open for vaccinations as well, 12 hours a day, Monday through Saturday.
Sumter County resident tests positive for UK COVID-19 variant
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. โ Sumter County is the latest county in Central Florida to report that one of its residents has tested positive for the more contagious U.K. COVID-19 variant. The Sumter County Health Department said Monday that the sole case is the only one detected to date. AdDr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said the best defense against any variant of the virus is to get as many people vaccinated as quickly possible. โSo anyone who has access to the vaccine that has the opportunity should get vaccinated. AdThe South Africa and Brazil variants have both been detected in the U.S. as of late January, but not in the Sunshine State.
125 cases of COVID-19 variant reported in Florida
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Florida leads the country in cases of the COVID-19 variant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state has 125 cases of the variant, according to the CDC. Six cases of the COVID-19 variant have been reported in Seminole County, according to the department of health. Two cases were reported in Orange County, according to Dr. Raul Pino with the Florida Department of Health. The variant was also reported in Osceola County, Volusia County, Brevard County and Lake County.