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Health department: COVID surge in Alachua County appears to be peaking; hospitalizations stable
Summary
Alachua County Health Department reported decreasing cases, positivity and hospitalizations and said the recent surge appears to be relenting; vaccination coverage was cited at roughly 70% of eligible residents for at least one dose.
The Alachua County Health Department told commissioners that the county’s most recent COVID-19 surge appears to be easing: cases, positivity and hospitalizations are trending down, though home-test reporting may undercount cases.
Rob Bridal, presenting county health metrics, said cumulative confirmed cases over the previous two years totaled roughly 64,444 and that the county has achieved one-dose vaccination coverage of about 70 percent among residents age 5 and older. He flagged hospitalizations as the primary concern for severity and noted both adult and pediatric hospitalizations were stable to decreasing.
Bridal also reviewed testing and vaccination hours and contact information for county clinics, reminding residents that vaccinations are offered with no appointment required during regular hours. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about workforce impacts — including the effect of staff quarantines and the county’s procedures for employees returning after infection.
What’s next: Health staff will continue to monitor trends and provide updates to the commission as metrics evolve.
