Florida officials have advised a number of residents who have traveled internationally to initiate their own self-isolation after returning to the United States in light of the emerging coronavirus outbreak.
Florida Department of Health originally announced it wanted all residents who had traveled internationally to implement a 14-day self-quarantine Monday morning. However, around 2 p.m., state health officials clarified that the “mandatory” advisory applied to those who had returned or would be returning from China, South Korea, Italy and Iran, as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention had advised.
Two people have died from coronavirus in Florida, and there have been 18 other people to test positive for the new virus, according to news station NBC 6 South Florida. In light of the growing number of cases, Florida health officials are requesting that travelers from those specific international destinations practice "social distancing," which includes going out in public and close personal interactions.
The department of health suggested those who had traveled to Japan and taken cruises to take precautions of limiting their contact with others and personal interactions.
Florida Health Department Spokesman Alberto Moscoso said the move was taken "as part of the effort to control the spread" of the virus in Florida.
“The situation in Florida is swiftly changing,” he said.
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Florida Health Department Spokesman Alberto Moscoso said the move was taken "as part of the effort to control the spread" of the virus in Florida.
“The situation in Florida is swiftly changing,” he said.
The confusing reports on the self-quarantine come after a weekend that saw the state accumulate six new cases, according to the Miami Herald. Three of the cases were reported out of Miami’s Broward County.
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