Volusia County officials: No plans to close daytona-area beaches amidst coronavirus pandemic, but emphasis on 'social distancing' 

By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Volusia officials are adamant there no plans to close the 40-plus miles of beaches along this coastal Central Florida county in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, but they are stressing "social distancing." 

Asked if there has been discussion about possibly closing the beaches," Kevin Captain, the interim community informnation director for Volusi County government replied, "Yes, there is perpetual discussion.  Right now, the beaches remain open; however, the county--as noted in the news release (provided) strongly advocates that residents and visitors practice social distancing and follow the established precautionary guidelines set forth by the Florida Department of Health and the CDC.

The county's news release was emailed to Headline Surfer and other daily news outlets Saturday. as follows (in italics).

Volusia County Government strongly advocates that prevention efforts for COVID-19 are a large part of one’s individual responsibility, with the key focus on preventing the spread of germs. 
 
While Volusia County beaches remain open, residents and visitors visiting the beaches should practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others when possible and keeping away from gatherings of people. Avoiding close personal interactions is also key. County officials emphasize that social distancing is a behavioral practice tied to personal decision making that helps lower the risk of viral transmission.
 
Individuals should continue to wash their hands often. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Other measures to aid in prevention include:
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
  • Stay home when you are sick. 
 
Volusia County continues to coordinate daily with the Florida Department of Health on the latest information regarding COVID-19.
 
Anyone with questions should call the FDOH COVID-19 Call Center at 866-779-6121. The call center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 
 
Additional, educational resources are available on the FDOH website at http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/covid19-toolkit.html. 
 
For the most updated information, download the Volusia Beaches app from the iTunes or Google store.
 
About The Byline Writer:
Henry Frederick bio / Headline Surfer Henry Frederick is publisher of Headline Surfer, the award-winning 24/7 internet news outlet launched 12 years ago that serves greater Daytona Beach, Sanford & Orlando, Florida via HeadlineSurfer.com. Frederick has amassed more than a hundred journalism industry awards in print & online -- more than all other members of the working press combined in Central Florida since the mid-1990s. He earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism with academic honors from Full Sail University in 2019. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and other high profile cases, Frederick has appeared on national crime documentary programs on Discovery ID and Reelz for his investigative reporting and cops & courts breaking news stories. Award-Winning Journalism of Henry Frederick.  
 
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