Cases testing positive for COVID-19 in Monroe County almost tripled over the span of a day, with seven new cases reported March 25 to bring the total to eleven as of 7 p.m.
Per the Florida Health Department, nine cases are travel-related while two were determined as community-acquired. Nine cases involve Keys residents, with five from Key West, three from Key Largo and one from Tavernier. Two are non-Florida residents.
Of the 11 known cases six are male and five are female. They range from the ages of 20 to 80. Three of the cases are currently hospitalized; no deaths have occurred in Monroe County as of March 25 at 7 p.m.
The first case in Monroe County, reported by the health department on March 19, involved a 72-year-old female resident of Key Largo, who recently traveled to the United Kingdom. The individual is isolated at her residence and is expected to remain there until cleared by the health department. She’s expected to make a full recovery.
Another case came March 23, of a 54-year old woman from Key West. All indications of this infection show that it was acquired during her travels to France. The person is isolated at her home and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by the department. She also is expected to make a full recovery.
A third case involving a 52-year-old female from Key West was reported on the morning of March 24. Unlike the first two, the third case wasn’t associated with any travel overseas. The case is under investigation, the health department said. The individual is isolated at her home and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by the department.
The fourth reported case came on the evening of March 24 and involved a 48-year-old male resident of Key Largo, who recently traveled to Los Angeles. The individual is isolated at home and will continue to be until cleared. He is expected to make a full recovery.
As for the first four cases reported in the afternoon on March 25, an 80-year-male resident recently traveled to the Caribbean, while a 20-year-old female made a recent trip to France. A 54-year-old male resident and a 79-year-old male, who’s not a Florida resident, both made recent trips to New York.
The three new cases reported on the evening of March 25 involve a 75-year-old male resident who had no recent travels, a 48-year-old female resident with travels unknown at this point and a 23-year-old male who’s not a resident who recently was in Spain.
“Although the current case count reflects a majority being travel-related, the department strongly encourages everyone to do their part — be vigilant. Actively social distance and stay home as much as possible, and wash your hands as much as possible,” said Alison Kerr, health department spokeswoman.
Across the state of Florida, positive cases jumped to 1,977 — 1,867 involving Florida residents and 110 non-state residents. In its most recent report, the health department stated there were 295 new cases, 284 involving Florida residents and 11 non-state residents. Deaths in the state were at 23.
