Thousands of people flood florida beach despite coronavirus rise.Florida Department of Health confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state rose by 1,421 Friday, the highest one-day number yet.
The total number of cases in Florida is now 24,753.
The number of deaths has reached 726, an increase of 58 in the last 24 hours.
Despite the surge in cases, Jacksonville beaches reopened at 5pm on Friday under limited hours and use restrictions.
The beaches will be open daily from 6am to 11am, and 5pm to 8pm for exercise only.
Sunbathing, chairs, towels, and loitering on the shore are strictly banned, and beachgoers are required to remain six feet apart.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said the decision to reopen beaches came as he was “encouraged” by the rate of infections and hospitalizations and said there is evidence they are flattening the curve.
He warned however that the harsh restrictions and closures would be reinstated should the social distancing guidelines be broken.
Curry said: “If for some reason it turns to helter-skelter, we’re going to pull the plug again.”
It comes as President Trump called protesters demanding an end to the lockdown “responsible people” – hours after encouraging demonstrations in Michigan, Minnesota, and Virginia.
Trump had earlier called for the “liberation” of the Democrat-run states in a series of incendiary tweets.
