Okaloosa County’s COVID-19 number continue to creep upwards. (Florida Department of Health)

HOLT, Fla., April 9, 2020—The number of positive COVID-19 numbers in north Okaloosa County increased during the past 24 hours.

Data from Florida’s Department of Health showed Crestview with six cases yesterday. Today that number rose to eight.

Additionally, Laurel Hill is now reporting one positive virus case.

Overall, Okaloosa County added five more positive cases from yesterday bringing the total to 83.

In the northwest portion of Okaloosa County, including Holt, Baker and Milligan, DOH data show zero cases to date.

In other parts of the county, Destin and Shalimar both added another case bringing their totals to 23 and seven, respectively.

Fort Walton Beach showed the largest gain going from 15 yesterday to 23 today, an increase of eight cases.

Niceville, Mary Ester and Eglin Air Force Base remain at six, two and two; however, the Defense Department is no longer publicly reporting positive cases.

Florida remains one of the top 10 infected areas worldwide with 16,826 cases throughout the state. That’s an increase of more than 1,000 new cases in the past 24 hours.

The numbers include 503 non-Florida residents.

Additionally, the state showed an additional 48 deaths today bringing the total to 371.

Stephanie Holcombe