NAPLES, Fla. — Thursday is the big day many have been waiting for as beaches are re-opening in Collier County.
On Tuesday, county commissioners approved the decision to re-open beaches. Beginning Thursday at sunrise, you can enjoy the beautiful waters. You must still practice social distancing and cannot be in groups of more than ten people. Collier County Commissioner Penny Taylor says the vote came at a perfect time.
“We’re moving in the right direction, the beaches are so important, it’s a lifestyle here. I think our citizens have shown such great behavior, personal responsibility, it just seemed to make so much sense to open the beaches” said Penny Taylor Collier County Commissioner, District 4.
However, Taylor is concerned about the lack of restrictions, she says officials will have to keep a watchful eye on Coronavirus cases in southwest Florida.
“Looking at it in a very cohesive way, and I think all of us in the county and the city are looking at this, carefully watching it, we’re not relaxing we’re monitoring,” said, Taylor.
Meantime, Dr. Rick Waks from Millennium Physician Group says there is more you can do to protect yourself from getting Coronavirus.
“ I would wear a mask on the beach. The mask is protecting the other individuals on the beach, and your mask is protecting you. If facilities are open I would make sure I bring soap and water”, said Dr. Waks.
He stresses it’s important we follow these few rules to combat the spread of the virus.
“We don’t want to have a second wave of Coronavirus as they continue to talk about. As long as the beaches are empty I’m fine with you going for a walk, but if they are going to be large crowds, you’re not going to be able to social distance” said Dr. Waks.
