There is some recent concern regarding the actual number of reported COVID-19 cases. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated 260 workers at the Orlando International Airport have tested positive for the coronavirus after nearly 500 employees were tested. However, the airport management issues a statement on Twitter to clarify the number of workers affected by COVID-19.
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) June 17, 2020
The Florida Department of Health provided a further explanation for the numbers Wednesday afternoon.
“The number of cases at Orlando International Airport is cumulative from March 2020 and includes household close contacts as determined through the extensive epidemiological investigations conducted by the Department of Health.
“These cases were all identified from and associated with positive COVID-19 cases linked to the airport. Through collaboration with airport and local authorities and thorough efforts in contact tracing, all the cases were linked and notified.
“Last week, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) conducted 500 tests. Only two came back positive and held no risk of exposure to others. DOH-Orange has been active in monitoring and investigating every case at the airport and will continue to ensure the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and protocols are followed closely,” the statement read.
The governor’s office has also since walked back on the claims.
“Governor DeSantis has emphasized the benefit of testing for COVID-19 and contact tracing throughout the state. MCO had 132 employees test positive for COVID-19. Through contact tracing of those employees, an additional 128 individuals not associated with the airport tested positive for COVID-19 resulting in 260 total positive cases. We appreciate MCO’s commitment to working with the Orange County Health Department, the Florida Department of Health and for ensuring best practices are followed for the health and safety of all employees and visitors to the airport,” communications director Helen Ferre said Wednesday afternoon.
We will provide updates on Orlando International Airport when new information becomes available. In the meantime, the Florida Department of Health recommends all residents and visitors to adhere to health and safety protocols to ensure people’s well-being.
Source: Click Orlando
Photo Credit: Orlando International Airport
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