Florida Bans Alcohol Consumption In Bars After Coronavirus Cases Surged Among Young People

The state government in Florida imposed a ban Friday (June 26) on alcohol consumption at bars after the Department of Health published daily coronavirus data revealing an increase in cases by almost 9,000 patients. This shows an increase of more than 3,400 cases from the previous daily figures.

On-Premises Consumption Ban

The state’s alcohol regulatory agency immediately sent out an official tweet announcing the ban on alcohol consumption in bars. They stated that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in all Florida bars. The order was effective immediately.

It was announced by the Florida Department of Health on Friday that the state has 8,942 new cases of coronavirus infection, exceeding its previous record Wednesday of 5,511 cases. According to the agency, the state now has almost 123,000 cases and nearly 3,400 deaths linked to coronavirus infection.

First To Resume Pre-COVID Activities

During a press briefing, Gov. Ron DeSantis said enforcing face mask policies may do little to help stem the increase. “We’ve advised that’s something that could make an impact. At the same time, to do police and put criminal penalties on that is something that probably would backfire,” Gov. Ron DeSantis added.

The governor also revealed the median demographic age that tested positive for coronavirus infection had been observed to be in the 33, 34, and 35-year-old range. He likewise opined that if the median demographic is 33 years old, it follows that half of that demographic maybe younger. According to DeSantis, community transmission appears to be driven by the 18 to 35-year-old age group.

Young People Can Transfer The Virus To Others

Health officials have been explicit in their declarations that old-age-people are more likely to develop severe symptoms from coronavirus. They also said that while young people are not likely to be symptomatic or even die from contracting the virus, they can still transfer it to other people.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, during a press briefing Friday reminded everyone that if they get infected, they will also infect others. Vice President Pence, the head of the task force, has announced he would be going to Florida to evaluate the situation.