COVID-19 latest information for Jacksonville, Florida

News4Jax.com tracks coronavirus pandemic

Jacksonville seniors receiving COVID-19 vaccine

Publisher

News4JAX

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Location

Jacksonville, Florida

Last reviewed

7/16/21 4:30 p.m. EDT

Overview

Gov. Ron DeSantis moved Florida into Phase 3 in September, lifting all restrictions on restaurants and other businesses. And all Northeast Florida school districts -- like the rest of the state -- have been reopened since the fall. As of March 26, Jacksonville’s mandatory mask order was lifted as vaccination efforts continue to roll out around Northeast Florida.

Businesses & facilities

Businesses can operate at full capacity in Jacksonville after DeSantis’ order, but local governments can still put some restrictions in place as long as they allow at least 50% capacity. The CDC issued new guidance May 13 that allows fully vaccinated people to stop wearing masks in crowds and most indoor settings, though businesses can still request they be worn.

Social distancing

In Jacksonville, people ages 6 and up had been required to wear face coverings indoors until Mayor Lenny Curry let the mask mandate expire in March, although he and many health experts still recommended everyone wear masks in public indoor spaces. The CDC changed its guidance, allowing schools to seat students 3 feet apart, rather than 6 feet.

Health care status

While Duval County has seen 109,603 coronavirus cases of residents -- nearly 11% of the population. So far, 410,757 -- 49% of Jacksonville residents age 12 and above -- people have had at least one shot since the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given Dec. 14, starting with hospital workers. Florida is now allowing anyone 12 and older to be vaccinated. Florida also rescinded its restrictions for nursing home visitors.

Schools

All school districts opened brick-and-mortar learning following a state order. A judge ruled that order “disregarded safety,” but that was appealed and a stay was upheld by an appeals court, keeping schools open in the fall and spring. Duval County Public Schools posts a dashboard that tracks COVID-19 cases in schools.

Events

The Orange Crush festival is scheduled to bring tens of thousands of people to Jacksonville Beach June 18-20. The Jaguars expect a full capacity stadium in the fall.

Food & dining

Jacksonville-area restaurants have been open with capacity limits in place for months, and some are choosing to keep it that way despite the statewide order that allows them to reopen at full capacity.

Public transport

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority continues to provide public transit service amid the pandemic, though the agency has adjusted its routes and schedules to accommodate demand. JTA has also introduced measures intended to keep employees and riders safe. JTA is also offering transportation to COVID-19 vaccination locations and has retrofitted buses to bring vaccines to vulnerable communities.

How to help

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