Jacksonville, Florida, which hosts parties to celebrate the Republican National Convention this summer, made a change Monday and ordered the use of masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The municipal order, which takes effect at 5 pm ET, is for indoor locations and “in other situations where people cannot socially distance themselves.” Masks will not be required for most outdoor locations, people under the age of 2 or people with respiratory problems.
FLORIDA DOCTORS TELL JACKSONVILLE MAYOR THAT HOSTS REPUBLICAN CONVENTION ‘MEDICALLY IRRESPECTIVE’
The announcement comes a week after Republican Mayor Lenny Curry of Jacksonville said he did not think the need to wear masks was “prudent.” And it comes after Florida has seen an increase in new coronavirus cases in the past two weeks.
Hundreds of doctors in Florida sent a letter to Curry and the city council, warning that organizing the convention, which begins on August 24, would invite further spread of the coronavirus. The letter says that. With the attendance of 40,000 people, the event should be “significantly reduced in number” or postponed.
“Allowing this number of people to descend on Jacksonville is undoubtedly disease-provoking, predictably harmful, and medically disrespectful to the citizens of this city, let alone the rest of the country,” the doctors warned in the letter.
THE BEACHES IN THE MIAMI AREA ARE CLOSED BY THE CORONAVIRUS PEAK
Earlier this month, the Republican National Committee (RNC) chose Jacksonville to host part of this summer’s party convention, after largely leaving the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, over disagreements over crowd restrictions. related to coronavirus.
President Trump and Republican officials were angered after North Carolina Democrat Governor Roy Cooper said he was not prepared to guarantee the RNC a full convention with an arena packed with party officials, delegates and activists due to health problems. amid the coronavirus pandemic. While the party will continue to hold some convention meetings in Charlotte, the main events will take place in Jacksonville.
Fox News’ Ronn Blitzer contributed to this report.
