BLOG: Coronavirus updates from Wednesday, April 22

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 Wednesday, April 22. For today's updates, visit www.abcactionnews.com/virus. Don't forget we are in this together!

9:30 PM

• Another coronavirus death has been reported in Hillsborough County, bringing up the county's death toll to 21.

8:18 PM

• Reopening Florida’s theme parks is expected to be a long process fraught with logistical and public health considerations amid the coronavirus outbreak. A key industry executive says a state task force charged with reopening the state for business that parks will likely reopen with small, limited crowds.

7:30 PM

• Key model used by White House says social distancing measures should continue into May or June

5:50 PM

• DOH reports 28,576 coronavirus cases in Florida. Death toll now at 927.

4:46 PM

• Lido Beach, which is part of the city of Sarasota, will remain closed for now

3:43 PM

• Starting April 27, 2020, all City of North Port parks will be re-opened for public use. This includes parks, playgrounds, and restrooms.

2:45 PM

• 2 cats in New York become first US pets to test positive for coronavirus

1:50 PM

• Venice beach to open for essential activity on April 27

1:01 PM

• AP-NORC poll: Majority of Americans say it's unlikely it will be safe enough to lift virus restrictions anytime soon.

12:30 PM

• DOH reports 440 new positive cases, 26 new deaths in its morning update.
• Total cases: 28,309
• Total deaths: 893
• Total tests: 290,476
• U.S. recoveries: 75,682, according to Johns Hopkins

10:57 AM

• Sarasota County Commissioners vote to reopen beaches starting Monday for recreation only, parking lots will stay closed.

10:48 AM

• Hillsborough County asks residents to take this COVID-19 survey.

10:46 AM

• Britain’s death toll reaches more than 18,000.

8:45 AM

• Germany to start trial for coronavirus vaccine.
• Vietnam loosens restrictions; no reported deaths in country.
• 8 babies test positive for COVID-19 at Japanese children's home.

6:30 AM

• US deaths top 45,000.
• Singapore surpasses 10,000 cases.
• California officials find earliest known US fatalities from virus.

Santa Clara County announced late Tuesday that new autopsy results show two individuals who died at home on Feb. 6 and Feb. 17 were positive for COVID-19. The individuals were not tested for the virus because they died when very limited testing was available only through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a statement from the county in Northern California.

Important updates from Tuesday, April 21

• Senate approves $500 billion COVID-19 relief bill after bipartisan deal.
• WHO warns people must be ready for 'new way of living.'
• Germany cancels Oktoberfest 2020 due to pandemic.
• FDA gives emergency approval for at-home nasal swab coronavirus test.
• Missouri attorney general sues China over coronavirus pandemic.
• To view more updates, click here.

Important updates from Monday, April 20

• President Trump says he will suspend immigration into the United States amid coronavirus concerns.
• Oil prices plunged below zero on Monday as demand for energy collapses
• To view more updates, click here.

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