45% of COVID-19 deaths in Florida reported in nursing homes, data shows

A record number of 191 COVID-19 deaths were reported today, bringing the statewide total to just over 6,000, new data shows.

Eyewitness News found out that 45% of those deaths are from inside nursing homes.

According to the most recent Department of Health data, about 2,700 Floridians either living or working long-term care facilities have died of COVID-19. That’s nearly half of all of Florida’s COVID-19 deaths.

Nearly 600 of the 2,700 deaths are linked to facilities in Dade County, but Polk County is also high on the list with 128 deaths.

MAP: There are more than 140 nursing homes in Central Florida

Next of the Central Florida counties is Volusia, with 62 deaths.

The state required each facility to report its deaths.

Highlands Lake Center in Polk County ranks sixth in the state with 27 residents who have died.

In Volusia County, the Coquina Center reported 24 residents have died.

In Seminole County, both Oakmonte Village of Lake Mary and Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs each reported 10 deaths.

Read: Husband of woman living in Orange County nursing home where 5 have died from COVID-19 outbreak frustrated by lack of information

But there could also be discrepancies in the state data.

Ocoee Health Care Center reported no one either living or working there has died.

But the medical examiner’s office reported at least four other residents there have died of COVID-19 between July 15 and July 19.

2 more COVID-19 outbreaks reported in Orange County nursing homes

Orange County’s Department of Health stated at least 66 residents and 30 employees at Ocoee Health Care Center have tested positive for COVID-19.

The department is also investigating outbreaks at two other facilities.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday that every effort is still being made to protect family members in these facilities.

“If it’s getting in, it’s going to get in with the staff. That’s why we have - and it’s a big financial investment, but I think it’s worth it. We’re doing every two weeks every staff member has to be tested,” DeSantis said.

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