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 9. For today's updates, visit www.abcactionnews.com/virus. Don't forget we are in this together!
6:27 PM
- Italy says a near-record 4,008 people were released from hospitals in the past day after testing negative for COVID-19 as the country continues its cautious reopening after a two-month national lockdown.
5:52 PM
- A trade group representing major airlines says its members support having the government do temperature checks of passengers as long as necessary during the coronavirus crisis.
4:24 PM
- U.S. regulators have approved a new type of coronavirus test that administration officials have promoted as a key to opening the country.
3:12 PM
- Two children and a teenager have now died in New York state from a possible complication from the coronavirus involving swollen blood vessels and heart problems, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday.
2:08 PM
- Gov. Ron DeSantis issues executive order for barbershops, cosmetology salons and specialty salons
- Palm Beach County to proceed to Phase 1 of Gov. DeSantis' plan
1:37 PM
- Florida is reporting that more than 650 patients have died from the coronavirus at the state's nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
12:43 PM
- Tens of thousands of crew members are stuck aboard cruise ships, weeks after passengers were allowed to disembark amid the coronavirus pandemic.
10:55 AM
- Department of Health reports 40,001 positive COVID-19 cases in Florida, death toll is at 1,715
9:16 AM
- Seoul has shut down more than 2,100 nightclubs, hostess bars, and discos after dozens of infections were linked to clubgoers who went out last weekend as the country relaxed social distancing guidelines.
7:31 AM
- The Vatican Museums are gearing up to resume visits to the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens and papal estate outside Rome after a two-month coronavirus lockdown.
6:11 AM
- Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says loosening the nearly two-month lockdown will be for naught if people don’t obey social distancing rules.
Important updates from Friday, May 8
- TSA to require employees to wear 'facial protection' at screening checkpoints.
- The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through May 15 following a weekly review, as required by the City Charter, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Roy Horn of "Siegfried and Roy" dies at 75 from COVID-19
- NCAA President Mark Emmert says the coronavirus is making it unlikely all schools will be ready to begin competing in college sports at the same time.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Thursday, May 7
- Hillsborough County leaders unanimously vote to extend state of emergency for 7 days.
- Disney Springs to begin phased reopening May 20.
- Frontier Airlines to begin temperature screenings for all passengers and crew starting June 1.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Wednesday, May 6
- Tyson Foods to resume 'limited production' at largest US pork plant.
- Healthcare workers that volunteered in NY amid pandemic have to pay state income taxes, Cuomo says.
- Trump says coronavirus task force will shift focus to 'safety and opening up our country again'.
- Tampa Pride rescheduled to Saturday March 27, 2021.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Tuesday, May 5
- Florida Aquarium will re-open on Friday, May 15 with strict limits on attendance and programming and is implementing new standard operating procedures and enhanced health and safety measures to safeguard guests, staff, and animals. Tickets must be reserved in advance starting on May 7 here.
- Three more Hillsborough County residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died. This brings the number of deaths to 32.
- WestShore Plaza reopening on Friday with limited hours.
- To view more updates, click here.
Important updates from Monday, May 4
- J Crew officially files for bankruptcy amid pandemicNew numbers show 819 new COVID-19 cases in Florida, 20 new deaths
- Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will direct the state inspector general to investigate Florida's CONNECT system
- MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre launches a refund plan for those who bought tickets.
- Carnival Cruise Line advised guests and travel agents of plan to phase in a resumption in North American service this summer, beginning on August 1
- To view more updates, click here.