NBC 6’s Tony Pipitone has the latest on the news announced from Gov. Ron DeSantis that will allow all residents to get their vaccine in the coming weeks.
As a supply of the coronavirus vaccine has become available across Florida, residents are understandably anxious to know when they will be able to stand in line for a dose.
Several cities across South Florida will be opening new locations in the coming days for residents to get their doses - including some where an appointment is not needed.
Here's what we know today about the coronavirus outbreak in Florida, and the effort to stop it.
Hialeah Gardens, Miami-Dade Partnering to Distribute Pfizer Vaccinations for One Day Next Month
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The City of Hialeah Gardens and Miami Dade County are partnering to offer Pfizer doses on April 7th at Westland Gardens Park Banquet Facility (located at 13501 Northwest 107 Avenue).
Vaccinations will begin at 8:30 a.m. and go until supplies run out. Patients must provide Florida ID. The eligibility is as follows:
• Persons 50 year of age and older
• Long-term care facility residents and staff with proper documentation
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact with proper documentation
Local
Florida Adds 5,773 COVID-19 Cases, 107 Resident Deaths Thursday
Florida's COVID-19 case count increased by more than 5,700 Thursday as the state's virus-related death toll rose by more than 100.
The 5,773 new confirmed COVID-19 cases brought Florida's total to 2,027,429 since the outbreak began, according to figures released by the state's department of health coronavirus report.
Another 107 virus-related deaths among Florida residents were reported Thursday, bringing the total to 32,957. An additional 632 non-resident deaths have been confirmed in the state to-date, two more than Wednesday.
Broward Mayor Says He's Planning to Lift County's Covid Restrictions as Residents Get Vaccinated
Broward Mayor Steve Geller said he has begun to draw up plans to loosen coronavirus restrictions in the county as more residents become vaccinated.
Geller said he has sent a proposal to Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is waiting for them to give the green light.
The mayor said his plan was "based on science," and that he would propose it at the next county commission meeting on April 5.
He did note that despite the vaccine rollout in South Florida, Broward County has seen an uptick in coronavirus cases.
Permanent Walk-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Site to Open in Miramar
A permanent coronavirus vaccination site is set to open at Vizcaya Park in Miramar, with no appointments necessary to receive a dose.
The walk-up site will be operated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which has partnered with Broward County to "give the community access to the Pfizer vaccine."
Both first and second doses will be administered at the site starting Friday, March 26. It will open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until doses run out (200 are available on a daily basis).
The park is located at 14200 Southwest 55th Street. Individuals must be 50 years or older to qualify, and they will be asked to present proof of Florida residency, such as a driver's license.
All Florida Adults 18 and Older Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccine Starting April 5th: Governor
All Florida residents over the age of 18 will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine starting April 5th, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday.
DeSantis made the announcement in a video released from the Governor’s office, saying the eligibility age would be lowered to 40 and older starting Monday before lowering it to all adults the following week.
DeSantis added that more than 400 Walgreens locations would be providing the vaccines in the coming days, adding to the over 700 Publix locations, 150 CVS locations and 125 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the state.
Uber Offering Free Rides to Miami-Dade Teachers Union Members for Vaccines
The United Teachers of Dade have secured 1,000 two-way rides with the service free of charge for any members interested in getting the vaccines, part of a 10 million free rides campaign from the company.
The campaign promo code will be valid from March through September 30th. Those teachers and support staff interested in a free ride to a vaccination site, can call UTD at 305-854-0220 for their promo code. They will be provided with additional details and instructions regarding their free ride.
Miami Gardens Announces Site for First, Second Dose Distribution
State Rep. James Bush announced the vaccine would be distributed at the Norland United Methodist Church (885 Northwest 195th Street) with the first dose on Sunday, March 28th and the second dose on Sunday, April 18th.
Eligible individuals includes those ages 50 and older, long-term care facility residents and staff, health care staff, K-12 school employees and law enforcement personnel and first responders ages 50 and older.
The shots will be avalible from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 305-652-5172.
Opa-locka Providing Free COVID-19 Vaccines to Residents
The vaccinations will be administered at a federally supported COVID-19 vaccination site.
The site is located at the Helen Miller Center, 2331 Northwest 143rd Street and will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ups are accepted. Pre-registration is suggested by clicking on this link.
