Media Inquiries
Contact the Office of Communications:
Erin Moffet
Strategic Communications Director
(850) 766-7358
Erin.Moffet@FDACS.gov
Caroline Stonecipher
Deputy Communications Director
(850) 661-7153
Caroline.Stonecipher@FDACS.gov
Sabina Covo
Hispanic Media Director
Sabina.Covo@FDACS.gov
Tallahassee, Fla. – Earlier this week, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced she will be holding regular COVID-19 briefings to provide the public with updates on public safety guidance, case counts, and vaccination rates in the state. Following the initial briefing held yesterday, Commissioner Fried’s next update will be held today, July 29 at 12:30pm in the Cabinet Room at the Florida Capitol. The briefing is open to all credentialed media, press should RSVP to Erin.Moffet@FDACS.gov. It will also be livestreamed at Facebook.com/FDACS.
“As Floridians in the middle of hurricane season, can you imagine if we had a report saying a storm is coming but that is all the information you get? No daily information on the track of the hurricane or how it is increasing in size. That is what is happening here in the State of Florida,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “The people of Florida need and deserve access to regular, timely updates as it relates to the ongoing pandemic. That is why I am holding regular briefings to provide needed information and coordination from the federal government, filling the COVID information sharing void that currently exists in our state.”
The Florida Department of Health suspended daily COVID-19 reporting in early June and has "no plans to resume the daily reports," even as Florida led the nation in the number of new cases and COVID-related deaths reported last week. The current surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide prompted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue updated guidance this week adding a recommendation for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. In Florida, 66 of 67 counties are listed as having high levels of community transmission; Glades County is listed as having a substantial level of community transmission.
###
