(CMR) In breaking news this morning Florida officials have been the decision to immediately suspend consumption of alcohol at bars statewide during to soaring number of new coronavirus cases.
The Florida Department of Health says the number of known cases of COVID-19 in the state rose by 8,942 since yesterday morning as the virus spreads and as more people are tested across the state. The total number of cases in Florida is now 122,960.
In addition, 39 new deaths and 212 additional hospitalizations were reported. The state reported a 13.5% positivity rate for new tests conducted. The number of newly reported cases shattered the record for the most cases of COVID-19 reported in a single day. The previous record was set on Wednesday when the state reported 5,511 cases.
Halsey Beshears, secretary of the state's Department of Business & Professional Regulation, made the announcement on Twitter.
The news came minutes after Florida reported over 8,900 new coronavirus cases, a new record for daily increases. Officials have said the number of cases is surging among young adults, which could endanger those who are most vulnerable to the virus.
Across the state, there have been threats to suspend liquor licenses for bars not complying with the social distancing requirements and lessening capacity to 50%. In Orlando, Florida a local pub close to the University of Central Florida had its license suspended after 13 employees and 28 customers tested positive for COVID-19.
Further details about the suspension of alcohol consumption have yet to be announced.
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