As is customary, Monroe County Health Administrator Bob Eadie updated the county commission on Nov. 17 regarding COVID-19 in the Keys.
“Our positivity rate is below 10, but higher than we would like it to be,” Eadie said. The number refers to the percentage of residents seeking coronavirus tests who are COVID-19 positive. Eadie said the number has been as high as 15% in the past, and as low as 8%.
While the Keys are seeing a surge in cases, it is not as steep as in other parts of Florida. Eadie also noted that residents admitted to local hospitals are being discharged at about the same rate.
“Why Monroe County seems to be so different than other areas of Florida, well, I just don’t know,” Eadie said.
Monroe County had an average of 14 new coronavirus cases per day in late October, and an average of 32 new cases a day in early November. Key West is leading the county in new coronavirus cases.
The conversation then moved on to the two leading vaccination options. Moderna’s vaccine is said to be more than 94% effective, while Pfizer’s vaccine is estimated to be 90% effective. Both are awaiting emergency-use authorization this month from the Food and Drug Administration.
Mayor Michelle Coldiron asked about the county’s ability to provide the ultra-cold storage necessary for the Pfizer vaccine.
“As of right now, it looks like that vaccine will be sent to large Florida hospitals with the super cold freezers,” he said, adding that the vaccines will go to first responders, hospital workers and nursing homes. “It won’t be until late spring when the vaccines will be widely available to the general public.”
Whatever happens, Eadie said, the health department is ready. “If there’s one thing we’re good at, it’s we know how to stick needles in people.”
On a positive note, Eadie told the commission that there seems to be little transmission from student to student at Monroe County public schools. As of Nov. 17, there are 42 students, 4 teachers and 7 staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19. Key West High School has the most cases at 10, followed by Coral Shores High School at 6 and Marathon Middle High School with 4.
“Students are not giving it to other students. It seems like they are contracting it from their parents or siblings,” Eadie said.
As part of the COVID-19 discussion, Monroe County agreed to open outdoor public facilities such as parks to organized adult groups so long as they sign waivers. Use of indoor facilities will continue to be limited.
