No Freedom on Independence Day as Florida Closes Beaches for 4th of July

What a truly bizarre year that 2020 is turning out to be.  Of course, “bizarre” is par for the course when it comes to a long-lasting global pandemic.

The coronavirus strain that is currently encircling the globe is nothing to be trifled with.  Sure, its mortality rate isn’t on the scale of something like Ebola, but it spreads far more quickly, indiscriminately, and stealthily.  That’s why, when we let our guard down in regards to social distancing, the case numbers tend to spike.

Such is currently the case in the United States, particularly in Florida, where officials were expecting large crowds for the 4th of July weekend.  Now, out of an abundance of caution, officials will be closing the beaches in order to prevent congregating and the possible spread of the virus.

Popular beaches in South Florida will close for the Fourth of July weekend as coronavirus concerns, and cases, continue to grow.

Officials across three counties — Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach — have announced shut downs, citing the rising cases of the novel coronavirus.

“As we continue to see more COVID-19 positive test results among young adults and rising hospitalizations, I have decided that the only prudent thing to do to tamp down this recent uptick is to crack down on recreational activities that put our overall community at higher risk,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez (R) said in a statement.

Beaches, under his order, will be closed Friday, July 3 through Tuesday, July 7. The public will also be barred from flocking to parks or beaches to view the fireworks.

The uncaring attitude that many have toward COVID-19 has been exacerbated in recent months by wild and somehow popular conspiracy theories regarding its origins, the authenticity of the information we’ve received from our leaders, and whether or not the virus exists at all.

Let’s just hope that these conspiracy theorists can come to their senses before we miss out on Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas due to poor social distancing practices.