Here’s why Florida is seeing a surge of COVID cases again — and how to protect yourself

Florida is seeing an increase in COVID-19 again, accounting for 1 in 5 new cases in the United States.

Hospitals in MiamiDade and Broward counties are also reporting an uptick in COVID patients and are beginning to limit visitations.

So, what’s causing the increase?

Health experts have told the Miami Herald the new cases likely have to do with a variety of factors, including:

Hotter and wetter weather driving more people indoors

Unvaccinated people not wearing masks

The spread of highly infectious COVID variants like delta, which has become the dominant COVID strain worldwide. Delta makes up more than half of the new coronavirus cases in the U.S.

Dr. Marc Napp, chief medical officer for Memorial Healthcare in South Broward, said of hospitalized COVID patients: “The overwhelming majority are unvaccinated individuals and they do appear to be younger than before.”

About eight million people in Florida who are eligible for a shot are not vaccinated.

Whether you’re fully vaccinated or not, the CDC still recommends washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

You should also clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

This is especially important if you or someone you live with has tested positive for COVID-19. Everyone, including those who are fully vaccinated, are also still required to wear a mask inside buses, taxis and other public transportation.

If you’re not fully vaccinated, here are some other CDC tips:

Get vaccinated. Pfizer, Moderna and J&J’s vaccines are effective in helping to prevent hospitalizations and death. Pfizer’s vaccine is for people 12 and older. Moderna

and J&J are for people 18 and older.

Wear a mask inside stores, movie theaters and other indoor public places. While masks are not needed outside, the CDC still recommends wearing one if you’re in a crowded area.

Stay at least six feet away from others. This doesn’t apply to people you live with, unless one of them is ill with COVID-19.

JOSE A. IGLESIAS jiglesias@elnuevoherald.com The Florida Department of Health on July 16 announced 45,449 new resident cases of COVID-19 since July 9, more than four times the levels of mid-June.