When we saw 60 new cases in Sebastian on Monday, we almost went into panic mode. That’s a lot of cases!

However, there’s an explanation for it.

As Florida health officials track new COVID-19 cases, some patient data can be incomplete, and sometimes for several weeks. If the patient’s city is not listed, they are put into a “missing” category. It is our understanding that Indian River County had approximately 300 individuals in the “missing” category.

On Monday, a lot of the data was filled in, which updated the cities where people live. As a result, it showed 60 new COVID-19 cases on Monday in the City of Sebastian, although the data is not from a single day.

Here’s an update on the number of local positive COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started:

Sebastian: 587
Roseland: 5
Barefoot Bay: 50
Micco: 16
Grant-Valkaria: 60
Fellsmere: 493
Wabasso: 9 cases
Vero Beach: 3,650 (this number also includes Vero Lake Estates and other rural areas near Vero Beach)

There have been approximately 156 new COVID-19 cases in Sebastian so far in November. That’s about seven new cases per day. We’re not in a crisis, but the numbers are rising.

Florida health officials urge everyone to Social Distance or wear a face mask whenever they cannot Social Distance. Make sure you wash your hands frequently.

Most restaurants in Sebastian still require a mask among employees and customers. We will publish an article about those establishments soon.

Signup for the free Sebastian Daily newsletter for your chance to win free dinners and merchandise!