Beaches in Jacksonville will be among the first in the United States to partially reopen to the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Mayor Lenny Curry.
Curry made the decision following President Trump's announcement that states must decide themselves when to lift restrictions.
Beach-goers will be limited to "essential activities only."
As defined in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order, essential activities include the following:
- Participating in recreational activities consistent with social distancing guidelines
- Such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing
'This can be the beginning of the pathway back to normal life," Curry said on Thursday. "Please respect and follow these limitations. Stay within the guidelines for your safety as well as for the safety of your neighbors."
Curry is encouraged enough by two weeks of data about positive cases of COVID-19 identified in Jacksonville and hospitalizations that he is reasonably confident the curve is flattening, according to News4Jax.
Duval beaches will reopen starting Friday at 5 p.m. Beaches in Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gatherings of 50 or more people are prohibited and people must still practice social distancing.
