CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we celebrate the Fourth of July.
What You Need To Know
- Bay area beaches open for 4th of July
- Officials stressing social distance for beach goers amid pandemic
- Bay area 4th of July forecast
There are warnings from national and local health officials about staying safe during the holiday weekend.
Still, it is expected to be a busy weekend on Clearwater Beach.
On the way over the causeway, there are signs from police warning for traffic. And then there are signs asking beach goers to stay 6 feet apart.
Many will go to the beach this holiday weekend, despite several record setting days of new coronavirus cases this past week in Florida.
And it’s not just beach. Clearwater Beach restaurants and shops are staying open too.
Health officials are warning folks to avoid large crowds wherever possible.
"It's not that we're against bars or drinking, it's just the science. If you have lots of people in an indoor space for a long period of time not wearing masks, you're going to have spread of covid,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, the former director of the CDC.
In the Tampa Bay area, all beaches are open, unlike in South Florida where they were closed for this weekend.
State and local officials asking people to maintain social distancing whether it’s here on the beach or anywhere you’re celebrating this weekend.
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