Florida Opens Some Beaches On Day Of Biggest Coronavirus Case Increase

Florida, which has close to 25,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, recorded 1,400 new infections, in the state’s highest one-day jump yet.

Under the new guidelines, beach activities are restricted to jogging, fishing, surfing, dog-walking and other forms of exercise, and leisure items, such as coolers, chairs and grills are not allowed.

While North Florida beaches begin to open, many municipalities in the south are keeping theirs closed for now, with Miami’s mayor Carlos Gimenez—who tested positive for coronavirus in mid-March—saying restrictions will be eased “slowly and thoughtfully.”

The reopened beaches offer a “pathway back to normal life,” Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry said, but urged citizens to continue to practice social distancing.

Beach access is permitted daily between 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“It can’t be worse than going to the grocery store,” one beachgoer told CNN.