Health

As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, mental health concerns are on the rise. Many Americans have spent months staying at home in order to protect themselves from COVID-19. Mental health experts say that isolation could be just as dangerous.

Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, the owner of brands such as Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, says it will pay their employees to get the coronavirus vaccine. It is a huge move that supports and encourages people to get vaccinated.

A war of words continued on Tuesday between the White House and Gov. Ron DeSantis as to why Florida has used only half of its COVID-19 vaccines.

The White House expects to be able to deliver enough of the two-dose coronavirus vaccine regimens to states to reach 300 million people by late summer.

While it is recommended that the first and second coronavirus doses come from the same manufacturer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says brands can be mixed under exceptional circumstances.

Coronavirus vaccines remain in short supply, so much so, even some people on the front lines can't get one. Some are having a difficult time getting because they work outside of a government or hospital system.

Lines of cars could be spotted at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mount Dora. Those in attendance were not there for Mass, but rather for the second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the flow of COVID-19 vaccines has been stagnant and the state needs more to meet the increasing demand, particularly for those residents in assisted living facilities.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is encouraging people to get their second coronavirus vaccine dose. So far, more than 72,000 doses have been given out in Orange County.

County health departments in parts of Florida are working closely with private businesses, such as Publix.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has directed that those who have received their first coronavirus vaccine dose will be guaranteed the booster shot saying the second dose will be sent to the same place where they got the first one.

Gov. Ron DeSantis promises that by the end of January, every long-term healthcare facility in Florida will have the coronavirus vaccine.

The State of Florida is testing out its new database to help people make appointments to get the coronavirus vaccine, but Orlando was left off that list.