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TALLAHASSEE – On Tuesday Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced new restrictions and policies to take place amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in Florida.

The Florida Department of Health reports the number of coronavirus cases has surpassed more than 200 infected patients. The Florida DOH reports, as of Tuesday night, seven patients have died related to the virus including one patient from Manatee County. DeSantis announced at a press conference he plans to enroll an economic relief plan to assist those impacted financially.

“There’s going to be a need for immediate relief for a lot of people who are going to be dislocated by the economic effects of the COVID-19 virus,” said DeSantis.

According to a survey released by NPR, PBS NewsHour and Marist, 18% of adults in the U.S. are reporting they have been laid off or had their hours cut at work. Governor DeSantis says those impacted should visit floridajobs.org and click on the reemployment assistance tab for more information and how apply.

“If you are ordered to self-isolate by a medical professional [or] government agency, if you are laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by your employer because of COVID-19 concerns, or if you’re caring for an immediate family member who’s diagnosed COVID-19,” said DeSantis.

 The governor has also allocated funds to help all K-12 students continue classes online in order to stay on track of the school year.

“The Department in K-12 School Districts are instructed to redirect unspent 2019-2020 funds from various allocations for low income students purchase digital devices and establish internet services so that they can engage in remote instructions,” said DeSantis.

DeSantis says the Florida Department of Education is also canceling all remaining standardize testing for School Readiness, Pre-K, and K-12 students.

Gov DeSantis alongside the Florida Department of Education has also suspended K-12 classes until April 15th. Colleges and Universities are being encouraged to finish the remainder of their semester via remote instructions.