Over 10,000 cases of COVID-19 “variants of concern” have been reported in Florida, state health officials disclosed Monday, more than double the total just two weeks earlier and an indication that the spread is accelerating.
Through May 1, nearly 500 of those cases have been reported in Orange County, nearly 200 in Osceola, 188 in Seminole and 130 in Lake. By far, the most common variant was the B.1.1.7 — the strain first detected in the United Kingdom — reported in 9,050 cases statewide. Estimated to be 60% more infectious than the original strain of COVID-19, it is also believed to result in more severe illness and higher hospitalization rates. The most recent estimate is that it is 67% more deadly.
In Florida, the variants have led to the death of 62 people — twice the number reported two weeks ago — and to the hospitalization of 222 residents.
