A key indicator being tracked by the state is the number of patients being admitted to emergency departments at hospitals, with COVID-19-like symptoms. Here are the latest trend lines reported by the DOH. Note that the state's numbers for these statistics only run through Sept. 13:
Flagler emergency visits with COVID symptoms
Volusia emergency visits with COVID symptoms
Florida emergency visits with COVID symptoms
The Centers from Disease Control updated its mask recommendations on Aug. 7 to say the following:
CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Masks may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.
Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.
Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Masks with exhalation valves or vents should NOT be worn to help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others (source control).
