March 1, 2020
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The first Floridians test positive for COVID-19.
The next day was a very different sight than what we’re used to now.
Orange County leaders were without masks, and shoulder-to-shoulder in a small, crowded room with reporters and photographers.
It’s a telling image of how little we knew one year ago.
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At first, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was focused on restricting travel and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces to keep the novel coronavirus at bay.
But when it came to masks, experts said those should be reserved for hospital workers and was not needed for the general public.
March 9
The CDC first recommends social distancing.
Stimulus update: How quickly will you get a $1,400 check?
March 17
The first drive-up coronavirus testing site is established.
March 31
Just over 6,700 people in Florida had tested positive for the coronavirus, and 85 had died.
April 1
The governor issues a statewide stay-at-home order
READ: Here’s how & where medically vulnerable people can receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida
April 3
The CDC reverses courses on masks, and says everyone should wear them in public spaces.
April 8
Orlando Health infused its first patient with a new experimental treatment for COVID-19 involving convalescent plasma, and it worked. It is still used to treat COVID-19 patients.
READ: Coronavirus: CDC head warns of ‘very concerning’ recent uptick in COVID-19 cases
May
Trials were underway were possible vaccines.
Ten months later, and three have been authorized in the U.S.
Cox Media Group
