Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Monday announced that he is issuing a stay at home order for South Florida as the number of positive COVID 19 (coronavirus) cases grows.
The order will apply to Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Monroe counties through the middle of May.
“The Safer at Home order is the right move for southeast Florida,” DeSantis said at a press conference. “This is the time to do the right thing. Listen to all of your local officials.” “We will do this through the middle of May, and then see where we’re at,” he continued.
There are more than 5,000 positive coronavirus cases in Florida, with the state’s department of health reporting 523 new positive tests yesterday (Sunday March 29th). The four counties included in this stay at home order make up more than 58% of Florida’s cases, according to The Miami Herald.
The governor also announced a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine on any travelers entering the state from Louisiana, in addition to a mandatory two-week quarantine from the greater New York City area.
While Desantis has closed the beaches in Broward and Palm Beach counties and closed gyms and fitness centers and ended dine in service in restaurants, he has not closed beaches statewide.
The governor filed a major disaster declaration in the state on Tuesday but has not issued a statewide shelter-in-place order, arguing that the virus has impacted the state disproportionately.
While pressure has been mounting for Desantis to act, many are upset about what they consider infringement on their civil right to be out in nature.
This video was released on YouTube last week, Florida Wildlife Officers were trying to enforce the 50 foot separation required for boats and rules enforcing social distancing between people.
Many of the commenters on this video disagreed with his stance, saying the officers are just out there trying to do their job and he should follow their instructions and not be difficult. Still others feel that our rights as boaters and citizens are being infringed upon, that we should be able to make decisions for ourselves without Government saying where we can and can’t enjoy our lives.
One thing is for certain, that the social distancing works, but how far should it go and what are we willing to sacrifice to enforce it. Look for more videos like this in the coming weeks.
Related news: Miami Dade Mayor closes boat ramps and marinas
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