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Coronavirus Evening Update: DeSantis Announces Next Steps Toward Reopening State

(Image courtesy of NEXU Science Communication)
(Image courtesy of NEXU Science Communication)

Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a press conference Wednesday he is preparing for the next steps in reopening the state.

DeSantis is putting together a task force to plan for the "resurgence and reopening of Florida." He plans to have members with varying specialties such as education, tourism and international travel. He aims to release the members' names by the end of the week.

Florida received $173.6 million from the coronavirus relief bill for education aid, Desantis said. This money will be used for pre-K through higher education.

On Tuesday, the Alachua County Commission voted to increase the number of people allowed in essential businesses by 25%, from one person per 1,000 sq. ft to one person per 750 sq. ft.

Tonight, the City of Gainesville will host its next telephone town hall event at 7:15 p.m. Community leaders will be joined by Caleb Orr, policy advisor to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, for an update about the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are the latest COVID-19 updates by the Florida Department of Health, as of Wednesday evening:


  • 22,519 total cases in Florida
  • 3,249 hospitalizations in Florida
  • 614 deaths in Florida

Alachua County:


  • 187 total cases
  • 27 hospitalizations
  • Zero deaths

Find the full FDOH coronavirus dashboard here.

Blake is a student reporter for WUFT and can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.