June 6: The latest news and information on the coronavirus.
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Duval County records two new COVID-19 deaths
The Florida Department of Health added more than 1,300 positive tests and Duval County recorded two new deaths in Friday’s statistics for the coronavirus pandemic.
Duval County’s official death toll now stands at 52, and the health department reports 101 deaths for the area.
The percentage of positive tests decreased slightly for Florida, to 5.27 percent for the 32,472 tests processed Thursday at laboratories across the state. For all counties bordering Jacksonville, the positive rate was below 2 percent, including 0.8 percent for Duval County — the lowest rate there since May 19.
Statewide hospitalizations increased by 142, now up to 10,794 in all.
Statewide
Cases: 61,488
Hospitalizations: 10,794
Deaths: 2,660
Cases in Northeast Florida
Duval: 1,736
Clay: 393
St. Johns: 270
Nassau: 82
Baker: 29
Putnam: 172
Deaths in Northeast Florida
Duval: 52
Clay: 32
St. Johns: 6
Nassau: 1
Baker: 4
Putnam: 6 | Read more
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DeSantis moves most of Florida into Phase 2 reopening
The move reopens bars and movie theaters in most parts of the state after the coronavirus shutdown. | Read more
City starts registration for summer camps
Jacksonville opened online registration Friday afternoon for its summer camp programs. | Read more
J.C. Penney’s Regency Square store on closure list
J.C. Penney at Jacksonville’s Regency Square mall is one of 154 stores across the country that the retailer proposes to close under bankruptcy protection as a result of the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic. | Read more
Defying predictions of historic losses, economy gains 2.5M jobs and unemployment eases to 13.3% as businesses start to reopen amid COVID-19
The economy unexpectedly gained 2.5 million jobs in May after record losses the prior month as states began allowing businesses shuttered by the coronavirus to reopen and many Americans returned to work.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3% from April’s 14.7%, which was the highest since the Great Depression. | Read more
Storm season meets pandemic: New Florida report details using luxury hotels as shelters
Florida’s emergency managers have new instructions on juggling a hurricane and the coronavirus pandemic in a report that details concerns about volunteer shortages as well as outlines rules on using alternative shelters to house evacuees in everything from mom-and-pop hotels to luxury beachside resorts.
The 60-page manual, dated June 3, is guidance for counties on planning for a landfalling tropical cyclone while also reducing the spread of the virus based on recommendations from the American Red Cross, Centers for Disease Control and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. | Read more
Map of coronavirus cases and deaths in the U.S.
Calico Corners closing after 37 years in Jacksonville
Social distancing 6 feet apart, shoppers stood in line two hours or more Wednesday to go inside Calico Corners — a longtime family-owned Jacksonville fabrics store.
It was a bittersweet sight for Kelly Rica. She and her sister, Stacy Silvestri, are co-owners of the popular Lakewood shop that’s closing its doors permanently after 37 years in business. | Read more
Free vision clinics offered in Jacksonville, with safety measures in place
Free vision clinics for Jacksonville-area patients in need have resumed after being temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. | Read more
Florida officials blast Lakeland nursing home over COVID exposure, halt admissions
State health agency halts admission to Grace Manor at Lake Morton and issues scathing report amid COVID-19 outbreak at facility, saying “immediate serious danger” exists at the Lakeland assisted-living facility. | Read more
Theme parks will look different when they reopen as Disney, Universal, others unveil plans
Theme parks are getting ready to open up again. But as their plans have revealed, they will be a very different experience for visitors. | Read more
Mayor clears high school sports to resume workouts June 15
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced that high school sports in Duval County can resume workouts on June 15 after nearly three months out because of the coronavirus pandemic. | Read more
Readers wonder why I-95 COVID-19 checkpoint still in use
The questions from drivers in Jacksonville and out of state continue to come in: Why is Florida still running COVID-19 checkpoints on I-95 at the border with Georgia and on I-10 west of Pensacola at Alabama’s state line?
Now the state says it has deactivated the West Florida checkpoint on I-10, in accordance with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ announcement Wednesday expanding what can reopen in Florida. But the one north of Jacksonville will remain for now. | Read more
Lot J test site in Jacksonville expands free antibody testing to all adults
The Lot J test site next to TIAA Bank Field has begun offering free antibody tests to all adults interested in finding out if they previously had the COVID-19 virus infection. | Read more
First Coast courts to test alternatives to in-person jury trials
Duval County court officials hope to conduct a trial over Zoom by late July. A state panel picked both the 4th and 7th Judicial Circuits, which include the Jacksonville area and its suburbs, as sites for pilot projects to find a “safer alternative” to going to court. | Read more
Study on safety of malaria drugs for coronavirus retracted
Several authors of a large study that raised safety concerns about malaria drugs for coronavirus patients have retracted the report, saying independent reviewers were not able to verify information that’s been widely questioned by other scientists. | Read more
A coronavirus vaccine could require you to get two shots. Here’s why.
A vaccine against the coronavirus may not be as simple as one jab and you’re immune. There’s a high likelihood an eventual vaccine will require a two-dose series, a month or so apart, with the possibility of a booster several years later, adding to the complexity and cost of administration and distribution. | Read more
Duval Schools publishes survey results about reopening schools
In survey results published by Duval County Public Schools Thursday afternoon, the majority of students said they were “most comfortable going back to school with classmates full time,” while parents and teachers indicated they wanted to continue online learning until it was safe to return. | Read more
COVID-19 won’t snuff out Jacksonville’s Fourth of July fireworks show
Mayor Lenny Curry said Thursday the city will have annual Fourth of July fireworks show but it will be at more locations than downtown. | Read more
Navy carrier sidelined by virus is back operating in Pacific
Ten long weeks after a massive coronavirus outbreak sidelined one of the Navy’s signature warships, the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt has returned to sea and is conducting military operations in the Pacific region. | Read more
Will we ever go to movie theaters again? And are the Oscars even happening? We have answers
So when can fans expect to see their favorites in theaters again? | Read more
Message to Class of 2020: Congressman Al Lawson
In a message to the class of 2020, Congressman Al Lawson congratulated seniors on their accomplishments.
“You’ve all worked really hard to reach this moment,” he said. “You’re the class with vision. You’ve seen and experienced it all.” | Read more
Message to Class of 2020: Eric Mann
In his message to the class of 2020, Eric Mann, President and CEO of the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, congratulated the recent graduates across Northeast Florida.
“One of the things we’ve learned about this interruption in our lives is that while … it has changed our lives forever, what you’ve accomplished by graduating, no one can take that away,” he said. “Take satisfaction in accomplishing something that’s been great. You are going to be one of the greatest generations because of COVID-19.” | Read more
Tracking the spread of coronavirus cases in the US and worldwide
Coronavirus in Jacksonville: Answers to your questions
Readers across the First Coast have questions about the COVID-19 outbreak. Now, the Times-Union has some answers. | Read more
Many restaurants remain open for take-out, delivery
Looking to support local businesses staying open during the coronavirus pandemic? Want a meal or a drink to take home?
Many restaurants in the Jacksonville area area offering takeout, curbside or drive-thru options to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. | Read more
Acts of kindness, good deeds, how area residents are helping others
When times are tough, Jacksonville’s people come through for each other.
While it’s important to read the latest news about coronavirus, it’s also good for us to read about the good deeds, the random acts of kindness and the stories about people helping those around them. These stories are sure to make you smile or inspire you on ways you give back to your community. | Read more
Laid off? 7 steps to take, and phone calls to make, now
The laid-off line cook was confused and tearful as she pondered the sudden loss of her $400-a-week job at a Lake Worth Beach restaurant.
Economists expect the crippling shutdown to put hundreds of thousands of Floridians — and millions of Americans — out of work. Mortgage lenders and others are stepping in to offer assistance. | Read more
Stimulus check: Calculate how much money you could get
The U.S. Senate approved a sweeping $2 trillion stimulus package that aims to help people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
People who are still working, those who are unemployed, those who are self-employed and contractors would all benefit. Businesses also stand to get financial assistance to avoid closing down or laying off employees because of the economic effect of the pandemic. | Read more
Ticket Tracker: What’s canceled, postponed, rescheduled or still on?
Dozens of concerts were canceled due to the coronavirus — and more might still be coming — but many now have new dates. | Read more
FAQ: Coronavirus
Coronavirus is spreading in the U.S. Here’s everything to know, from symptoms to how to protect yourself. [USA TODAY]
Worried about the coronavirus (COVID-19)? Here is what you should be aware of, from symptoms to best practices for avoiding the disease, including what you should do if you suspect you have contracted coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. | Read more
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