A sharp increase in coronavirus cases has led to the closure of some Florida beaches during the upcoming vacation weekend.
The beaches of Broward, Monroe, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties are closed for the July 4 holiday weekend. All counties are located on the southeast coast of Florida.
Hours of operation will vary, but generally, the beaches will close on Friday and reopen on Sunday. The closings of the city of Miami will last until July 7.
The beaches are also closed in Key West.
No Florida Panhandle beach is closed, but there may be some restrictions, such as reduced hours. You can view details on individual counties here.
The closings occur when COVID-19 case numbers are making Florida a virus access point. The state reported 5,266 new cases yesterday, with a total of 146,341 with 3,447 COVID-related deaths.
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state bars would be prohibited from serving alcohol for domestic consumption due to “widespread non-compliance” that led to an increase in COVID cases among youth.
“So, folks, just follow the guidelines and we’ll be in good shape. When you turn away from that, then it becomes troublesome and that has been clear from the beginning, ”said DeSantis.
The new rule applies only to bars; restaurants that serve alcohol can continue to do so.
