ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County leaders say they recorded more deaths from coronavirus in August than during any month since the pandemic began. 

The county recorded 293 deaths in August and 191 deaths since Aug. 30.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says the loss of life shows the importance of increasing vaccinations.

“There’s no better time than today, tomorrow to go and get vaccinated,” said Demings.

Orange County leaders say about 70% of county residents are now vaccinated, but that number could be closer to 75% if vaccinations at places like Veterans Affairs are factored in. 

The county’s 14-day positivity does continue to go in the right direction, at 14.3% — down from 16.7% on Sept. 1.  Orange County leaders say more testing in schools will help stop the spread of the virus, and they have a plan and the resources to put coronavirus testing in each and every public school.

“We will offer every day during school hours, in the schools, but that requires some investment and a little bit of work,” said Dr. Raul Pino, of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. 

Pino says it is possible if everything goes as planned the county could get that testing into each school by December. 

Right now, the county has several regional school testing sites shared by schools.