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 Saturday, May 16. For today's updates, visit www.abcactionnews.com/virus. Don't forget we are in this together!
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- The Food and Drug Administration announced Saturday that it has authorized an at-home sample collection kit that can then be sent to specified laboratories for COVID-19 diagnostic testing.
5:12 PM
- Italy recorded the lowest number of deaths in a 24-hour period since early in its coronavirus lockdown at just 153.
3:47 PM
- New Orleans began taking its first steps Saturday toward loosening two months of restrictions on businesses, restaurants and houses of worship.
2:09 PM
- Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte acknowledged on Saturday that the reopening of the Italian economy brings a risk of new outbreaks of the coronavirus but said ‘’we must accept it.’’
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11:54 AM
- Department of Health reports 44,811 positive COVID-19 cases in Florida. The death toll is at 1,964
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10:25 AM
- Dozens of restaurant owners have protested outside of Milan’s main train station against the new rules for reopening as of Monday.
9:19 AM
- Greece reopened organized public beaches under strict social distancing measures during a heat wave.
8:34 AM
- Spain prime minister wants to extend state of emergency for one month.
7:49 AM
- Britain launches trial for dogs to sniff out humans with COVID-19.
6:21 AM
- India surpasses China in coronavirus infection cases.
Important updates from Friday, May 15
- House Democrats pass stimulus bill, which would provide a second $1,200 check for Americans
- The coronavirus pandemic has pushed troubled department store chain J.C. Penney into Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It is the fourth major retailer to meet that fate.
- Data shows 324 people have died from COVID-19 in Tampa Bay counties
- Gov. DeSantis announced that Florida was moving into a full Phase 1 on Monday.
- Restaurants, retail stores, museums and libraries can be at 50% capacity
- Gyms can begin operating on Monday - as long as they are practicing social distancing
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Thursday, May 14
- Gov. Ron DeSantis suspends foreclosures, evictions until June 2.
- Starting Saturday, May 16, Publix stores will open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the pharmacy will return to regular operating hours.
- Hillsborough County votes to extend safer-at-home order for another 7 days.
- City of Tampa reopening all parks, dog parks and beaches Saturday, May 16.
- The CDC is warning doctors and health care professionals across the country of an inflammatory syndrome that affects children. It could be linked to COVID-19 infection.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Wednesday, May 13
- Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg rescheduled for October 23-25, 2020.
- Gov. DeSantis says he welcomes all professional sports to Florida for practices and games.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Tuesday, May 12
- Broadway shows canceled through summer due to coronavirus.
- Pelosi unveils $3 trillion coronavirus aid package for Friday vote.
- MacDill Air Force Base to perform flyovers on Friday to honor front line heroes.
- Universal Orlando reopening CityWalk with limited operations on May 14.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Monday, May 11
- Florida barber shops, hair and nail salons reopen.
- MLB owners approve giving players' union plan to start season around Fourth of July in ballparks without fans.
- Steak 'n Shake permanently closes 57 restaurants as company suffers during pandemic.
- 15 residents were evacuated from 2 Pinellas nursing homes due to a COVID-19 outbreak, a county official confirms.
- To view more updates, click here.