Coronavirus: What you need to know Sunday, March 22

The latest numbers released by the Florida Department of Health Friday evening show 13 more Northeast Florida cases of the coronavirus and a first infection in Baker County, bringing the area's total to 43.

As of Saturday evening, the department reported 763 total cases in Florida, an increase of some 200 in a 24-hour span. Total cases include the positive cases of 706 residents and 57 non-residents who were tested in the state. The state is up to 12 deaths.

According to a new dashboard the department released, with updated county-by-county numbers, here's a look at cases in Northeast Florida:

Duval County: 25

Baker: 1

Nassau: 1

Putnam: 1

St. Johns: 9

Clay: 6 | Read more

Here's a look at some of the other developments over the last 24 hours.

Drive-through testing begins outside TIAA Bank Field

Free drive-through federally sponsored screening for the coronavirus got off to a steady start Saturday morning at Lot J of TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Two dozen cars were lined up at 9 a.m. -- when the testing started -- to pull into the parking lot where medical personnel wearing protective face shields, surgical masks and surgical gowns stood ready to administer the testing swabs amid tents similar to those set up by tailgaters at Jaguars games. | Read more

New Jacksonville testing site starts 'smoothly,' Gov. DeSantis says

As Florida prepares to launch additional drive-thru coronavirus testing sites in South Florida and Orlando, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Saturday that Jacksonville's federally operated site at TIAA Bank Field got off to a smooth start.

"I was able to talk with the sheriff in Duval who said it went very smooth, relatively lightly trafficked," DeSantis said Saturday evening during a daily briefing following phone calls to sheriffs across the state -- including Jacksonville's Sheriff Mike Williams. | Read more

Dozens line up for Duval Schools technology distribution 'not adhering' to schedule, district says

Saturday morning, Duval County Public Schools distributed laptops and hotspots to students in need of technology for online learning.

Dozens lined up outside of Robert E. Lee High School Saturday morning. In a jarring contrast to Jacksonville's recommended social distancing protocol, parents and students gathered around the school, waiting to pick up equipment to school from home. | Read more

Senior living home up to seven virus cases

Two more Camellia at Deerwood residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, a note to families said.

On Saturday, the assisted living center on the Southside alerted family members that more of its residents had the virus. | Read more

Coronavirus: Stuck at sea after cruise ship denied entry in Chile

Daniel King's friends at Moosehaven, an Orange Park retirement community, sometimes tease him that he needs some new stories.

His wife, Ann, says they tell him they've heard his tales about boot camp and the Marine Corps too many times.

"They say, 'You need to get some new material,'" she said, adding with a laugh: "I don't think this is what he had in mind."

Her 83-year-old husband has a new story, one that's still unfolding. | Read more

Putnam County reports first COVID-19 case

Putnam County has its first case in the coronavirus pandemic.

The county department of health announced its case late Friday evening, several hours after the release of the twice-daily lists that come from the Florida Department of Health. | Read more

Map of coronavirus cases and deaths in the U.S. Coronavirus in Jacksonville: Answers to your questions

Readers across the First Coast have questions about the COVID-19 outbreak. Now, the Times-Union has some answers. | Read more

'Like the first day of school all over again': District launches online classes

Though the school year is more than three-quarters of the way through, teachers say Monday feels like it's Day One all over again in some ways.

This week, Duval County Public Schools launches Duval Homeroom, an online schooling initiative for its elementary, middle and high school students to use in light of the coronavirus forcing new social distancing measures.

For many teachers, it is their first time relying on technology to teach so heavily. | Read more

Drinking from home: Where to get booze in Jacksonville

Who's serving alcohol to-go in Jacksonville? We've got a list.

During hurricanes, alcohol sales are usually restricted. But during the coronavirus pandemic, sales are fine -- as long as you're drinking at home. | Read more

Many restaurants remain open for take-out, delivery

Looking to support local businesses staying open during the coronavirus pandemic? Want a meal or a drink to take home?

Many restaurants in the Jacksonville area area offering takeout, curbside or drive-thru options to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. | Read more

Hey, where did all the people go? Jacksonville zoo adjusting to life with no visitors

Animals at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens are getting used to life without thousands of people watching their every move.

"Walking through the zoo yesterday, it was a different experience," Tony Vecchio, the zoo's executive director, said in a phone interview Thursday. "I think the animals realize something is going on, something's different." | Read more

Pet Paradise offers support services for pets of health care workers

Pet Paradise beginning Monday is offering a 50 percent discount on boarding and day camp for the pets of health care workers during the coronavirus crisis.

Headquartered in Jacksonville, the nationwide pet care provider -- with about 40 resorts in nine states --also is offering a variety of services to help all pet owners during the pandemic. | Read more

Sawgrass Country Club member tests positive

A second private golf course on the First Coast has reported a member that tested positive for the coronavirus.

Times-Union news partner First Coast News cited a source on Saturday that said the individual played golf on March 14 and 15, and spent time in the lounge, before the club modified its operations to insure more precautions against the virus. | Read more

Churches shift to online services amid pandemic

As churches across Northeast Florida suspend physical services due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of them are planning to remain active this weekend online.

Virtual church services will be streaming across much of the area, giving members an opportunity to participate in worship remotely while retaining social distancing during the fast-spreading disease. | Read more

This content is being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. Please support local journalism by subscribing to the Times-Union/jacksonville.com.

Updated closings, cancellations in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida

The Florida Times-Union is tracking closings, cancellations and rescheduling of events announced for Jacksonville and the surrounding area. | See the list

Some Jacksonville restaurants selling pantry items, including produce, toilet paper

Across Jacksonville, businesses have tweaked their models and started selling pantry staples to help the community and cope with new operation restrictions.

Tables that are usually met by diners, plates and coffee mugs were instead stacked with rolls of toilet paper and pallets of orange juice. | Read more

Coronavirus not stopping Jacksonville road projects

COVID-19 hasn't slowed down road construction projects, but state and local agencies are exercising caution to protect workers as we update what's happening where.

The future of the Hart Bridge ramps may not be obvious just yet as you drive over or under them past Daily's Place and TIAA Bank Field.

But even as city and state road officials work with coronavirus restrictions to keep workers and the community safer, the project to get rid of those ramps and move traffic flow to ground level has begun. | Read more

Medical opinions mixed on playing golf

In these days of social distancing and avoiding large groups of people, many golfers share the belief that our game is low risk in terms of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

Courses across the country have implemented new protocols with the objective of keeping players and workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic. | Read more

JU golf parent wants to organize tournament for First Coast college players

Mark Berman doesn't know when. But he has a good idea of where and a better one of who's on board.

Berman, a media consultant and the father of Jacksonville University senior women's golfer Hannah Berman, wants to give all college golfers on the First Coast something they lost this spring due to the shutdown of college sports because of the coronavirus. | Read more

Nassau County to close beaches Sunday morning

Nassau County has become the latest county in Northeast Florida to shut its beaches due to the spreading coronavirus pandemic.

The Nassau County Sheriff's Office announced Saturday night that beaches in the county would be closed effective 6 a.m. Sunday. | Read more

Tracking the spread of coronavirus cases in the US and worldwide

FAQ: Coronavirus

Coronavirus is spreading in the U.S. Here's everything to know, from symptoms to how to protect yourself. [USA TODAY]

Worried about the coronavirus (COVID-19)? Here is what you should be aware of, from symptoms to best practices for avoiding the disease, including what you should do if you suspect you have contracted coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. | Read more

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