Kelly Hayes
Hillsborough and Pinellas counties saw some of the lowest new COVID-19 case numbers over the weekend in a while, according to Florida Department of Health data released Monday.
Hillsborough County confirmed 410 cases over the weekend — 295 on Sunday and 115 on Saturday. Pinellas County saw even fewer, reporting 235 cases over the weekend, including 159 on Saturday and 76 on Sunday.
The low number of new cases over the weekend follows an overall decline of new cases in the Tampa Bay area.
Hillsborough County also reported two new deaths in the latest report, as well as three additional hospitalizations. Since the start of the pandemic, the county has reported 111,550 cases of COVID-19, and 1,504 deaths related to the virus.
The county’s positivity rate has varied over the past week, gradually rising from 5.83% low since last Wednesday. Over the weekend, Hillsborough reported a positivity rate of 6.71% on Saturday and 7.60% on Sunday.
Pinellas County confirmed 10 new deaths in the latest report, bringing the virus’ death toll to 1,451. The county also saw seven additional hospitalizations, and has so far confirmed 66,646 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
Pinellas County’s positivity rate saw a spike on Sunday, but only tested 927 people, compared to its typical daily 3,000 to 4,000. The county reported a positivity rate of 7.58% on Sunday, up from Saturday’s 4.74%. Over the past few days, excluding Sunday, the county’s rate has averaged around 4.5%.
As far as vaccines, both counties are nearing 150,000 individuals vaccinated.
Hillsborough County has vaccinated 146,019 individuals, including 80,379 who have received a second dose. Pinellas County has administered vaccines to 146,237 people, 78,460 of whom have completed the series.
