TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he directed the purchase of 2,500 testing kits that will give qualified labs throughout the state the capacity to process tests for up to 625,000 people. Each kit allows 500 tests, but you need two tests per person.
DeSantis said the state will be strategically distributing kits to hospitals. This will allow hospitals to test without having to send the samples to labs, expediting the process.
The governor said the kits will be distributed by priority to hospitals with the highest need, which currently is Broward County with 11 cases.
DeSantis said he is expanding the current order to now prohibit all visitation to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family care homes, adult group homes and long-term care facilities in Broward County for the next 30 days.
As of 1:53 p.m. Friday, 42 Florida residents have been diagnosed in the state. This includes two residents of Palm Beach County, men ages 73 and 74.
DeSantis said most of the Florida cases are still linked to international travel. Also, in next 24 hours some aspects of the National Guard will be activated to help medical staff.
