Coronavirus: Volusia County’s beaches will remain open, but expect these changes

DeLAND, Fla. — The Volusia County Council decided Tuesday afternoon to keep the county’s beaches open.

Groups will be limited to 10 or fewer, and people will be asked to remain 6 feet apart to thwart the spread of the coronavirus.

The changes went into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Read: Spring break and coronavirus: Beaches remain open while schools ramp up cleaning operations

So far, nine cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the county.

The council said it based its decision on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recommendation.

“We need a mental health break as well as physical health break,” Councilwoman Deb Denys said. “And we have it right here in Volusia -- we have a beautiful assest called the beach.”

Council members granted the county manager and the county chair the power to close beach ramps and parking if beaches become overcrowded and people are unable to practice social distancing.

Few beachgoers were spotted from Skywitness 9 on Tuesday.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Coronavirus cases in Florida

Anyone who violates the county’s ordinance could face 60 days in jail.

Council members also decided Tuesday that they will temporarily suspend disconnecting county services for nonpayment.

Click here or scroll below to watch our in-depth coronavirus report.

Download the WFTV news app and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for live updates on this developing story, or click here to have updates sent straight to your inbox.

Coronavirus In-Depth: Bars to close for a month, new rules adopted at popular beaches Tuesday the governor ordered bars and nightclubs to close for 30 days in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

© 2020 Cox Media Group