FLORIDA – ABC Action News is committed to providing Tampa Bay area residents all of the updates on the coronavirus, COVID-19, and the impact it's having on our way of life. To help you stay on top of it all, we've compiled all the updates for Friday, April 17. For today's updates, visit www.abcactionnews.com/virus. Don't forget we are in this together!
10:17 PM
- A Pasco County firefighter left AdventHealth in Dade City after eight days of recovering from COVID-19.
9:26 PM
8:10 PM
- An employee at the Pinellas Regional Juvenile Detention Center has tested positive for COVID-19
7:16 PM
- President Donald Trump is urging his supporters to “LIBERATE” three states led by Democratic governors, in effect encouraging protests against the stay-at-home restrictions to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
6:30 PM
- President Trump directed USDA to craft $19 billion immediate relief program to provide critical support to farmers and ranchers, maintain the integrity of the food supply chain and to ensure Americans continue to receive and have access to food they need.
5:36 PM
- Department of Health reports 24,753 positive COVID-19 cases, the death toll is at 726
5:18 PM
- Manatee County extends curfew until at least Tuesday.
4:00 PM
3:45 PM
- Former Manatee County Commissioner Dr. Gwen Brown dies after battle with coronavirus. She served the county from 1994 to 2010.
3:24 PM
- Sarasota extends citywide public health emergency to April 24
3:05 PM
- More than 1,000 crew members of a French aircraft carrier and its escort ships have tested positive for COVID-19.
2:43 PM
- Hillsborough County urges the public to wear face covering "in community settings." They clarified the recommendation saying "Medical grade masks are not needed for the general public" and that a simple cloth face coverings should get the job done.
2:27 PM
- A New York state survey details the deadly toll the coronavirus had on nursing homes, with 19 facilities reporting 20 or more deaths.
1:30 PM
- San Diego's Comic-Con has been canceled due to the pandemic
1:20 PM
- Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar of Venice, FL recently donated meals to more than 200 healthcare providers and essential workers.
12:49 PM
- Tyson Foods says four of its poultry workers in Georgia have died after becoming infected by the coronavirus.
12:25 PM
- New York state report reveals deep COVID-19 crisis at nursing homes: 19 have each had at least 20 deaths
10:54 AM
- DOH reports 779 new positive cases in Florida and 18 new deaths.
- Total cases: 24,119
- Total deaths: 686
- Total tests: 236,503
- Total hospitalizations: 3,507
- U.S. recoveries: 56,257 according to Johns Hopkins.
10:45 AM
- Britain’s virus death toll reaches 14,500.
9:34 AM
7:39 AM
5:00 AM
- Illinois has its deadliest day yet.
- Michael Cohen released from prison early.
Important updates from Thursday, April 16
- President Trump outlines his plan to reopen the United States during Thursday's task force briefing.
- The Small Business Administration says it is "unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection program based on available appropriations funding.”
- Hillsborough County leaders vote unanimously to lift curfew for residents.
- Pinellas County leaders vote to keep beaches, pools closed.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Wednesday, April 15
- IRS launches website that allows Americans to track their coronavirus stimulus checks.
- Coronavirus cases worldwide hit the 2 million mark
- President Trump says he is working on a plan to reopen the United States. He said the U.S. is past its coronavirus peak.
- Gov. DeSantis says the state is working on putting together a coronavirus task force.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Tuesday, April 14
- US clears first saliva test to help diagnose new virus.
- International Monetary Fund: Global economy in 2020 will likely suffer its worst year since the Great Depression, brought down by viral outbreak.
- Publix offers special shopping hours for frontline employees.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Monday, April 13
- Hillsborough County leaders approved a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew for residents.
- Sailor assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt dies of COVID-19.
- Lakeland Regional Health opens temporary respiratory care center.
- Hillsborough County opens drive-through service at two libraries to get and send unemployment forms.
- WWE is considered an essential business by Gov. DeSantis, according to Orange County's mayor.
- Worldwide COVID-19 cases surpass 2 million, U.S. accounts for 29% of all cases.
- To view more updates, click here.