DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona Beach residents will have to adhere to a new curfew in an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
City officials passed the measure Tuesday evening.
The curfew will go into effect Thursday from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m.
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The curfew only applies within the city limits where people are asked not to leave their homes.
Officials said there are some exceptions for residents who are heading to work, delivering food or have a medical emergency and that the curfew would not apply to them.
Daytona Beach police could discipline violators, but said that jail would be the last resort.
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Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri said his department has seen a 22% drop in almost all major crimes, including domestic violence.
He said people are taking the coronavirus situation seriously and are following the rules from their elected officials.
Virtually all downtown businesses were closed Wednesday, and nobody was outside. Business owners are hopeful they’ll be able to reopen.
“I have to be optimistic that’s what keeps me going,” said Tammy Kozinski, owner of Sweet Marlay’s. “Three hurricanes (weren’t) going to take my down. I’m sure as hell a virus won’t take me out.”
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