JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Help is on the way to Florida's long-term care facilities.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said a total of 179,400 Pfizer vaccine doses will be coming to Florida.
Of that amount, 81,900 doses will be sent to CVS and Walgreens, and the Florida Department of Health to vaccinate seniors and staff at long-term care facilities, which include nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Walgreens will begin vaccinating staff and residents on Friday in Jacksonville.
I’m pleased to announce that @Walgreens will begin their mission to vaccinate staff and residents at FL’s long-term care facilities tomorrow in Jacksonville - 3 days ahead of schedule. I appreciate @Walgreens for leaning in. There is no time to waste!
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) December 18, 2020
Florida's coronavirus cases rose by 13,148, the most in five months, as deaths increased by 101, the Florida Department of Health announced Thursday afternoon.
The state's daily first-time positivity is at 8.84 percent. Palm Beach County's rate decrease from 8.32 percent, the highest since 10.04 percent on Nov. 30, to 7.23. The state considers anything above 5 percent in the dangers threshold.