Over 505,945 people have lost their lives due to the Coronavirus pandemic since the United States began counting deaths in March 2020. In Florida, 30,340 have passed and globally, 2,499,668 million have died.

The United States has been hit hard, suffering 2.5% of the World’s cases and 20% of the deaths caused by COVID-19. The reason behind the high percentage of lost lives is due to mixed messaging, mishandling, and lack of understanding of the severity of the pandemic. It may also be due to the country’s disbelief and indignation that the coronavirus could siege a great nation and leave it so disjointed.

It’s time for a reality check; It’s time to acknowledge and mourn the more than half-million Americans who died in 2020-2021 from the virus; It’s time to show sympathy and compassion for their families and loved ones; It’s time to reach out to those suffering from the side effects of the pandemic and, most importantly, It’s time to heal, forgive but never forget what the United States has been through and stands for.

The number of positive cases of the COVID-19 virus is trending down, however, new variants of the virus are showing up all over the nation.  The best way to stop the spread of the virus and control mutated strains that appear to be more contagious is to get vaccinated as soon as possible and, not only before before but after being vaccinated, wear a mask, social distance, wash hands often and avoid large crowds. Control the spread. You may be protected but you can spread the virus.

Demand for the COVID-19 vaccine is far in excess of the supply the state has received so far. It is anticipated that additional supplies will be coming soon.

Florida has many sites that are providing COVID-19 vaccines, but supplies are limited and appointments may not be available at many of these sites. The state is currently prioritizing as follows:

• Persons 65 years of age and older
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact
• Residents and staff of long term care facilities
• Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers

Some locations are only serving very specific populations, such as frontline health care workers. Appointments may be required and vaccine availability will vary from day to day and week to week.

Immunizations are available at the Lake Square Mall by appointment only. Make an immunization appointment, visit the State’s Sharecare website at myvaccine.fl.gov or call the hotline at 866-201-6909 (or 833-476-1031 for TTY users).

Visit scheduling.lakecountyfl.gov for the latest COVID-19 immunization information and for Frequently Asked Questions.

Commercial retailers are offering COVID-19 immunization appointments. Visit the below websites frequently for appointment availability.

• Publix Pharmacies
• Winn-Dixie Pharmacy
• Walmart/Sam’s Club
• CVS Pharmacy

Orlando Health – South Lake Hospital
South Lake Hospital has opened immunizations to the public via appointment only.
More information here.

Information on receiving a vaccination in Lake County keeps changing. For up to date information, it’s best to visit  FloridaHealthLocation

It’s also difficult finding testing sites in the Lake County area.  To learn more about a site nearest you, visit COVID TEST.

Those with serious health issues, such as undergoing treatment for cancer and cystic fibrous, and under the age of 65 will be able to receive the vaccine. Contact your doctor or health department to learn more.

The total COVID cases in Florida rose to 1.86 million since mid-March. The number of hospitalized, 78,472.  Florida mourns the loss of 30,340 people who have died during the pandemic.

In South Lake –  COVID Cases have hit 9,395 since March 2020.

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