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5 Things To Know On Thursday, November 19, 2020

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While you were sleeping, we compiled the biggest stories of the day in one place. Each story has a quick and easy summary, so you're prepared for whatever the day brings. Just click on the links if you want to know more!

1. Where is Florida with the coronavirus? State passes 900,000 cases
Florida's coronavirus cases passed 900,000 with an additional 7,925 infections in one day, compared with 7,459 the day before, as deaths rose by 87, which was 2 more than the day before.

The state's first-time daily positivity rate is at 8.16 with Palm Beach County's at 8.88. The state considers anything 5 percent and above a "danger" threshold.

It took 19 days for the toll to pass from 16,000 to 17,100 on Nov. 7. Since June 16, Florida has climbed seven spots from 11th place in coronavirus deaths in the nation to fourth.

Florida passes 900,000 coronavirus cases

2. What comes next? Florida mayors urge DeSantis to change approach to COVID-19
Five mayors in Florida held a virtual news conference Wednesday afternoon to urge Gov. Ron DeSantis to change the state's approach to COVID-19.

The city leaders are asking DeSantis to consider the following recommendations to slow the spread of the virus:

  • Implement a statewide mask mandate
  • Allow local governments to enact remedial measures, including mask enforcement
  • Restore state testing facilities to their fullest capacity
  • Improve contact tracing

The most recent weekly White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing said Florida is in the red zone for cases.

Florida mayors urge Gov. DeSantis to change approach to COVID-19

3. When can we expect a vaccine? Two South Florida hospitals prepare to have it next month
Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and Memorial Regional in Hollywood are preparing to receive and store vaccines for COVID-19 in December.

There is increasing speculation that Pfizer and Moderna will soon ask the U.S. government for fast emergency approval for their vaccines.

According to a plan from the Florida Department of Health, health care personnel, essential workers, people with underlying medical conditions, and those over 65 will be among the first to receive the vaccine, which likely will require two doses.

2 South Florida hospitals to receive coronavirus vaccines in December

4. The Latest On Election 2020: Trump pays for recounts in Wisconsin, Biden shares thoughts on delay
President Donald Trump filed Wednesday for a recount of Wisconsin's two most Democratic counties, paying the required $3 million cost and alleging that they were the sites of the "worst irregularities" although no evidence of illegal activity has been presented.

President-elect Joe Biden said on Wednesday that his transition team’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is being put in jeopardy as he awaits the Trump administration to recognize his victory in this month’s presidential election.

The Trump administration has prevented the Government Services Administration from assisting Biden with his transition. After past presidential elections, the apparent winner is given funding and access to documents to begin the transition.

Trump pays $3 million for recount of 2 Wisconsin counties

5. 'Good tidings of great joy:' Charlie Brown returning to TV in time for holidays
Earlier this year, most Americans missed out on an autumn tradition when "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" failed to air on broadcast television for the first time in several decades.

Luckily, the Peanuts gang will be back on television for the Holiday season.

On Wednesday, Apple TV Plus announced a partnership with PBS to allow the channel to show “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” over the air later this year.

Today's Forecast
Windy weather all week.

Latest Weather Forecast: Thursday 5 a.m.

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On This Day In History
On November 19, 1863, at the dedication of a military cemetery President Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, one of the most memorable speeches in American history. In fewer than 275 words, Lincoln brilliantly and movingly reminded a war-weary public why the Union had to fight, and win, the Civil War.

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