- March 28, 2024
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Volusia County won't be instating a mandatory mask order, but it is launching a campaign on Monday, June 29, urging residents to: "Wash up. Back up. Mask up."
“You play a very important part in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19," said Community Information Director Kevin Captain during a briefing on Friday, June 26. "Ultimately, it comes down to personal responsibility, and that means wearing a mask when it’s appropriate.”
The county hopes its "Step up Volusia" campaign will be a reminder for citizens to not let their guard down in respects to the coronavirus, and continue following the social distancing guidelines set by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include washing your hands frequently, staying 6 feet away from people outside your immediate household and wearing a mask when out in public.
The announcement comes as Volusia sees a continued spike in cases. Last Friday, June 19, the Department of Health reported 1,117 total cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. The total cases have since increased to 1,605 as of Friday, June 26, an increase of about 44% in a week.
Volusia County Florida Department of Health Administrator Patricia Boswell said Thursday, June 25, saw the largest daily spike in COVID-19 cases in the county, with 140 reported.
The county is averaging 51 new cases a day since June 12, Boswell added. In the month of May, the county averaged eight new cases a day, and from June 1-12, the average was 13 new cases a day.
In the last 14 days, the positivity rate in Volusia County has averaged 6.5%. However, according to DOH data, the daily positivity rate for June 25 was 9.7%.
COVID-19 hospitalization in Volusia also increased overnight, going from 39 on Thursday, June 25, to 56 on Friday, June 26. Intensive Care Unit hospitalizations increased from 10 to 15, and the number of people on ventilators increased from six to 10.
Boswell said the best way to prevent getting infected with COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed. Citizens can do this by practicing social distancing and wearing masks, she explained.
“This is the best way to protect each other," Boswell said.