Coronavirus in Florida updates: More than 11,500 cases reported statewide

We'll update this story throughout the day with the latest news about coronavirus and its effects in Florida.

Coronavirus cases recorded in Florida reached 11,545 by Saturday evening. One hundred and ninety five people have died and 1,470 people have been admitted to the hospital.

According to data from the Florida Department of Health,  105,994 coronavirus tests have been conducted. Of those tests, 94,401 were negative.

National:Coronavirus updates: US cases surpass 300,000; New York getting ventilators from China; CDC recommends face masks in public

Boynton area couple die within six minutes of one another

5:31 p.m. April 4

To those who knew them, Stuart and Adrian Baker were the kind of people “who did things unconditionally,” said their son-in-law, Antonio De Corral.

“They were wonderful people, who had a lot of friends and family, always willing to help out, and were very loved by their neighbors here and in New York and other areas.”

But then they got sick from coronavirus.

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Health Department officials want Floridians to take online coronavirus survey

4:06 p.m. April 4

The Department of Health is seeking Florida residents to respond to a 10-step online survey about the coronavirus.

The "Stronger than COVID-19" anonymous survey was launched Saturday. The questions cover demographic information, recent travel history, health history and habit changes in response to the social distancing push by health officials. 

The survey takes a couple of minutes. 

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2 Coral Princess cruise passengers dead as ship with coronavirus cases docks in Miami

3:15 p.m. April 4

Two passengers have died who were on board the Princess Cruises ship that docked in Miami Saturday with at least a dozen people on board who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

"All of us at Princess Cruises are deeply saddened to report that two guests passed away on Coral Princess," the company said in a statement shared Saturday by spokesperson Negin Kamali. "Our hearts go out to their family, friends, and all who are impacted by this loss. All of us at Princess Cruises offer our sincere condolences."

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Overwhelmed by online jobless claims, state offers paper forms

2:39 p.m. April 4

Workers laid off amid the coronavirus epidemic have reported long, frustrating waits in their attempts to apply for unemployment benefits.

Now the state is offering an old-school workaround — paper applications. Out-of-work Floridians can download, print and mail applications for unemployment benefits. The seven-page document is available here.

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Deputies rescue German Shepherd after owner hospitalized due to coronavirus

1:42 p.m. April 4

Eight people have been hospitalized in Martin County for treatment for the coronavirus, according to the Department of Health. But one of them had concern about his four-legged friend getting help too.

Sassy, a German Shepherd, was stranded on a boat after her owner, who lives on the vessel, was taken to a hospital, the Martin County Sheriff's Office said. 

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Corporations take temperatures of employees

12:08 p.m. April 4

Corporations have begun to take temperatures of employees when they report to work. Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot and Starbucks will screen workers for a fever as a safety precaution.

Home Depot has sent thermometers home with workers to use. Starbucks make them available at their stores for voluntary compliance; Walmart and Amazon check for fevers before the worker clocks in.

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First Escambia County patient dies of coronavirus

11.40 a.m. April 4

A 75-year-old woman died in Escambia County on Friday, marking the first reported death due to coronavirus in that county and the third death in the combined counties of Escambia and Santa Rosa County.

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COVID-19 cases the state reports today likely were tested weeks ago

7:00 a.m. April 4

As in-home testing for the novel coronavirus is introduced, private medical officials expect more households to receive tests on a quicker, broader scale. 

But staying on top of the total tests administered — and total positive cases resulting from those tests — has proven to be a challenge for anyone keeping up with the day-to-day spread of the virus. 

Florida Department of Health testing totals and positive case statistics on its publicly accessible database continues to lag behind, or do not reflect, the numbers released by the region's private medical facilities.  

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Walmart to limit number of shoppers in stores

7:18 p.m. April 3

Walmart announced it will limit the number of shoppers allowed in its stores at a time.

Starting Saturday, stores will "allow no more than five customers for each 1,000 square feet at a given time, roughly 20% of a store’s capacity." 

Stores with multiple entrances will close one and have guidance outside its stores to practice social distancing while waiting to enter. Traffic flow will move on a one in, one out basis. 

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