WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida's economic plan will consist of “silos” that will each address a different facet like restaurants, testing, large events, non-essential business and protective gear requirements.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is assembling a team to determine when and how the state can start to reopen after massive economic damage from the novel coronavirus, as influential business groups push for a restart. DeSantis is expected to have a task force in place by the end of the week …

DeSantis is creating a task force in hopes of starting Florida's resurgence.

Episode 19 features Kristen Griffis, Executive Director of Elder Options. She spoke about how her organization is using its Elder Helpline to provide groceries, access to health care, and more for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a press conference Wednesday he is preparing for the next steps in the reopening of the state and what he plans to do with $173.6 million in coronavirus relief bill money.

DeSantis and the Cabinet haven’t held a meeting since Feb. 4, more than a month before the governor declared a state of emergency.

Altavian has made the switch.

Episode 18 features Thomas Rambo, CEO of Altavian, a Gainesville-based drone manufacturer. He discusses how his company has turned their production from drones to reusable masks to help answer the ongoing national supply shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Over the weekend, infections eclipsed 20,000 while cases just in long-term care facilities neared 1,000.

Episode 17 features Keith Schneider, a professor at the University of Florida's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. He explains how often you should be making trips to the grocery store and how to best protect yourself when you do. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

With projections showing that as many as 4,000 residents statewide may die because of COVID-19, funeral homes across Florida are adapting their services to be ready for the increased need.

The daily breakdown of coronavirus news and numbers in Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that the state will begin a push to test nursing home residents and staff members for the novel coronavirus.

The Nicaraguan government has not taken measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Classes have not been suspended or moved online, the country's borders remain completely open and no social distancing measures are being enforced.

Dr. Samsun Lampotang is a professor of anesthesiology at the University of Florida.

Episode 16 features Dr. Samsun Lampotang, a professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Florida and the director of the Center for Safety, Simulation, and Advanced Learning Technology. Dr. Lampotang, along with his colleagues, has developed an open-source design for a ventilator built using common hardware store parts. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Even those trying to enter the job market for the first time are having a tough time.

Fifty-one people have tested positive at the nursing home.

The daily breakdown of coronavirus news and numbers in Florida.

A federal judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit over early voting sites on college and university campuses, after voting-rights groups and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration reached an agreement in the case.

The Children’s Trust of Alachua County met this week to discuss what the role of the organization would be in the coming months.

COVID-19 is "not going to stop creatives from being who they are."

On Friday the state takes over testing sites from FEMA and Gov. Ron DeSantis considers whether some students should return to school this academic year as coronavirus cases across the state increased by nearly 500 since Thursday morning.

Episode 15 features Bishop John Howard and Father Tom Willis. The two religious leaders discuss how they and their communities have adapted to this new version of Easter, and the significance of the holiday’s message in the time of coronavirus. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed seven bills into law on April 8, including measures that will place additional restrictions on ballot initiatives and provide sales-tax “holidays” around the start of hurricane season and the upcoming school year.