Florida

As Florida's COVID-19 numbers continue to break records, the state's top officials are sparring over what to do to try to stem the increases.

Rebekah Jones says she was fired after refusing to manipulate COVID-19 data. Her new portal is a reflection of how contentious coronavirus data has become amid battles over the states' reopening.

Epidemiologists are trying to understand why Florida's COVID-19 numbers are going up again. An easing of closures and social distancing requirements are likely to blame.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis lashed out about the firing of data scientist Rebekah Jones. DeSantis attacked Jones' claims that she created the state's highly praised COVID-19 dashboard portal.

Florida's top COVID-19 data scientist has been dismissed. Rebekah Jones says she's been fired for refusing to manipulate data "to drum up support" for the state's plan to reopen.

Under the new order, restaurants and retail stores can open. It does not extend to the three most populous counties, all in South Florida, which are home to most of the state's confirmed cases.

Mark Wilson of the Florida Chamber of Commerce says businesses will emphasize their health practices to attract customers when reopening. Restaurants and retailers will open at 25% capacity Monday.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said there have been discrepancies in data from the homes, and wants even those already checked to be retested.

Gov. Ron DeSantis says he wants to increase the number of National Guard personnel on "strike teams" that have been sent to long-term care facilities in the state to identify COVID-19 cases.

After days of pressure, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered a statewide lockdown. Florida had been the lone holdout among states most effected by the coronavirus in not having a stay-at-home order.