Wednesday’s Coronavirus Update: 14 new cases in Florida, 1 in Lee County and a death in Clay County

As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, there are 328 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, a jump from the previously reported 314 Wednesday morning. This number includes 29 cases of non-Florida residents diagnosed in the state, up from 25. There are eight total deaths in Florida.

The most recent coronavirus death was in Clay County, FDOH confirmed Wednesday.

In Southwest Florida, there are 25 total cases, with one in Charlotte County, 11 in Lee County and 13 in Collier County.

Statewide numbers (as of 6 p.m. Wednesday)

• Total number of cases: 328 (up 14)
• Number of Florida residents: 299 (up 10)
• Number of non-Florida residents: 29 (up 4)

Southwest Florida numbers (as of 11 a.m. Wednesday)

• Total number of cases: 25 (up 1)
• Lee County: 11 (up 1)
• Collier County: 13 (same)
• Charlotte County: 1 (same)

Wednesday’s COVID-19 headlines:

• Stocks’ roller coaster ride looks likely to continue, with a big drop
• Beaches across Southwest Florida close
• Lee County schools to distribute Chromebooks to students who need them
• Patient exposes 34 employees to coronavirus at NCH North Naples
• Shoppers are lining up out the door at grocery stores across SWFL
• Trump signs coronavirus relief legislation into law
• Florida Catholic masses suspended due to coronavirus fears
• Hertz Arena, Florida Everblades makes tough layoffs amid pandemic
• Woman claims boyfriend told to quarantine but doctor would not order a COVID-19 test
• Coconut Point Mall, Waterside Shops to close due to coronavirus pandemic
• COVID-19 moves therapy for special needs children online
• NCH issues new visitation procedures, recommendations amid pandemic

• Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart becomes first member of Congress to test positive for coronavirus

IF YOU FEEL SICK:

The Florida Department of Health has opened a 24-hour COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.

EDUCATION

All K-12 schools will remain physically closed to students until April 15, and students will do independent learning online until that time.

LOCAL STATES OF EMERGENCY

Lee Collier and Charlotte counties have all declared a state or local emergency.

LEE COUNTY

County commissioners closed libraries, recreation centers, dog parks and little league activity beginning Wednesday. However, Lee County parks including beaches and conservation 20/20 lands will stay open.

The Lee County Tax Collectors office has also closed their offices. Services are still available online.

Sanibel has closed all public beach parking to limit beachgoers.

COLLIER COUNTY