Nearly 1,700 New Coronavirus Cases in Florida, Most Reported in a Single Day

Florida's number of confirmed coronavirus cases increased by nearly 1,700 Thursday, as the state reported almost 50 new virus-related deaths.

With 1,698 new COVID-19 cases, the state's total rose to 69,069, according to figures released by the Florida Department of Health.

It's the highest number of cases reported by the state in a single day since the pandemic began, as testing for the virus continued to increase.

Statewide, more than 1,307,700 people have been tested for COVID-19, with the percent positive remaining around 5.3% Thursday. More than 11,500 hospitalizations for COVID-19 have been reported in Florida to-date.

Another 47 new deaths related to the virus were confirmed, bringing the state's total to 2,848.

Miami-Dade County's case total rose to 20,548, out of 219,104 tested, with the positive rate staying at around 9.4%. The county's virus-related deaths rose to 798.

In Broward County, there were 8,337 COVID-19 cases reported out of 133,088 tested, or about 6.3% positive. The county had 351 virus-related deaths, two more than Wednesday's total.

Palm Beach County had 7,887 cases and 407 deaths. Monroe County had 120 cases and 4 reported deaths

Meanwhile, at a news conference Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state is implementing a plan to have students return to on-campus learning.

"Getting back on our feet in the school year I think is going to be really really important for the wellbeing of our kids but I also think it's important for a lot of parents who've had to juggle an awful lot over these past couple months," DeSantis said.

DeSantis said it will still be up to local school districts to determine their individual plans.

"We believe what that looks like may look different in Brevard than it does in Miami-Dade," he said.