COVID-19 cases in South Central Florida continued to drop last week. For the seven-day period ending March 3, the new case positivity rate in the State of Florida was 3.3% according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Statewide 14,148 new positive cases were reported during that seven day period.

Around Lake Okeechobee:

• Glades County had a new case positivity rate of 8% with seven new cases for the week.
• Hendry County had a new case positivity of 2.1% with 12 new cases for the week.
• Martin County had a new case positivity rate of 3.7% with 1,124 new cases for the week.
• Okeechobee County had a new case positivity rate of 4% with 17 new cases for the week.
• Palm Beach County had a new case positivity rate of 3.1% with 812 new cases for the week.

For the seven day period ending March 5, Glades County had one new covid hospitalization, according to the CDC. For that same period, Hendry County had three new covid hospitalizations; Martin County had 12 new covid hospitalizations; Okeechobee County had three new covid hospitalizations; and Palm Beach County had 115.

 Nationwide, 81.3% of Americans over age of 5 have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least one dose of vaccine. In Florida, statewide 74% of those over age 5 have been vaccinated.

Around Lake O, Glades County has 54% vaccinated; Hendry County has 61% vaccinated; Martin County has 69% vaccinated; Okeechobee County has 51% vaccinated and Palm Beach County has 76% vaccinated.

As of March 5, most of South and Central Florida is at low risk of COVID-19 transmission according to the CDC. All around Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry, Palm Beach and Martin counties are at low risk according to the CDC. Collier and Lee Counties are also at low risk. DeSoto, Charlotte and Sarasota Counties are at medium risk. Highlands, Polk and Hillsborough Counties are at high risk.

CDC determines risk based on cases per 100,000 population, new COVID-19 hospital admissions and percent of inpatient hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.

CDC recommendations for those in a county with a low level of risk:

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
• Get tested if you have symptoms.

CDC recommendations for those in a county with a medium leve of riskl:

• If you are at high risk of severe illness, talk to your doctor about whether you should wear a mask and take other precautions as advised by your doctor.
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
• Get tested if you have symptoms.

CDC recommendations for those in counties with a high level of risk:

• Wear a mask indoors in public.
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
• Get tested if you have symptoms.
• Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness. Consult with your doctor about precautions.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free and available at most pharmacies. For vaccination locations near you, go online to https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/ or contact your county health department.