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 Sunday, May 17. For today's updates, visit www.abcactionnews.com/virus. Don't forget we are in this together!
6:42 PM
- There are now 89,372 COVID-19 deaths in the U.S., according to data from Johns Hopkins University
4:40 PM
- A funeral home in Barcelona has closed a temporary morgue it had set up inside its parking garage to handle the overflow of victims of the Spanish city’s coronavirus outbreak.
3:18 PM
- Britain is reporting that 170 more people have died from the coronavirus, raising its overall death toll to 34,636.
2:21 PM
- Egypt has announced it will close shops, malls, beaches and parks during the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in an effort to prevent the coronavirus’ spread.
1:36 PM
- One of President Donald Trump’s top economic advisers is criticizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s early response to the coronavirus outbreak, saying it “let the country down” after initial delays with testing.
12:22 PM
- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo got tested for coronavirus on live TV Sunday as he announced all people in the state experiencing flu-like symptoms are now eligible for tests.
11:39 AM
- Department of Health reports 45,588 positive COVID-19 cases in Florida. The death toll is at 1,973
10:16 AM
- Churches throughout Greece have opened their doors to the faithful after two months.
8:47 AM
- India extends its lockdown until the end of the month.
7:31 AM
- Spain’s health minister says the government will consider making the use of face masks mandatory in public spaces.
6:17 AM
- British PM says there might never be a vaccine for COVID-19.
Important updates from Saturday, May 16
- 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.
- Disney Springs implements a number of new health and safety measures for phased reopening
- AdventHealth terminates contract with lab conducting COVID-19 testing due to unacceptable delays and unreliable test results
- Britain launches trial for dogs to sniff out humans with COVID-19.
- To view more updates, click here.
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.