ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The delta variant surge was much worse and lasted longer than either of Orange County’s previous two COVID-19 waves, officials said.
August was far and away the deadliest month of the pandemic, with 410 lives taken. September was the second deadliest with 231 people losing their lives.
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It beats out the previous peaks of 228 in January of this year and 227 in July 2020.
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However, Orange County Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino said the death numbers should be dropping significantly soon.
Under Orange County’s vaccine mandate, 82% of its employees have been vaccinated. Of its nonunion employees, 89% have been vaccinated. After a recent bump, 75% of its union employees have now received the shot.
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Despite the state’s threat to stop vaccine mandates and fine Orange County, Mayor Jerry Demings said it’s his responsibility to protect the employees who work for him.
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