As soon as the clock hit 5pm, a large group of Floridians rushed into the beaches with big smiles on their faces. This was in accordance with reopening the beaches for the first time in weeks after they were initially closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Some limitations still apply – sunbathing, chairs and towels are banned, with beachgoers advised to remain 6 feet apart from each other – yet within minutes, the beaches were full of residents who have been waiting for today.
While beachgoers were clearly excited with the decision to reopen the beaches, there are concerns that this was a rash, populist decision that did not consider the health impacts it may cause.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry (R) defended his position, stating that this was how his city was starting its long journey back to normalcy before the global pandemic begun.
The decision follows after 1,421 new patients were diagnosed with Covid-19 on Friday. It was the highest number of new daily patients for the state. In Florida, there are now 24,753 cases reported with 726 deaths.
Mayor Curry did warn that should safety regulations not be met, the beaches could be closed again. On the first night, most visitors had left the beach by 8pm – the state-set curfew. Beaches are to be open twice a day – from 6am to 11am and 5pm to 8pm.
Florida and its governor Ron De Santis had been criticized for its decision to keep the beaches open. Controversy rose when pictures of spring breakers breaking all social distancing rules floated around the internet.
With this decision, Jacksonville became the first of the major metropolitan cities to allow access to their beaches. Santa Cruz, California, followed suit by allowing surfers to its beaches.
As of now, there are no clear federal guidelines regarding the states’ authorities on opening or closing access to public grounds such as beaches. General guidelines regarding congregation of crowds do not state explicitly or specify the course of action.
Right up to its reopening, there were confusions as to whether it would be green-lit. The federal government did state that it was looking for a constant decline of patients for 14 days as a proof of the situation being put under control. This trend has not been seen yet. Officials clarified that these were mere suggestions, not requirements.
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Replaced!