City of Naples Health Information Update – Covid-19 (Coronavirus) BEACH CLOSURES – UPDATE
March 20, 2020
Naples, FL (March 19, 2020) – In an effort to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and be in alignment with CDC guidance and Governor DeSantis’s Executive Order 20-68, the City of Naples closed all public beaches within city limits yesterday, March 18, 2020 at 5pm. Naples Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) observed many beachgoers not practicing social distancing. Additionally, as other Florida communities closed their beaches, larger crowds from other communities were migrating to Naples beaches. The City’s prudent move was to close the beaches. The protection of the elderly, high-risk, and all members of our community is extremely important, as is the capacity of our community health care system. Our current situation dictates drastic actions.
We have been asked, “Will we be able to keep all beachgoers off the beach?”; this will be very difficult. Community members that are alone or with one other person (and practicing social distancing) will not be approached by City personnel. As this situation evolves, NEOC may recommend a different approach and more strict enforcement. It is anticipated that educating community members about the importance and effectiveness of social distancing will cause them to heed our warning and avoid the beach and other places where social distancing is not being practiced. The City of Naples wants our community to remain well and safe. The City of Naples will continue to send educational messages on universal precautions during this public health emergency, including messages about social distancing.
Social Distancing for Infectious Disease
To stay up-to-date on information and guidance for COVID-19, visit the Florida Department of Health website (www.floridahealth.gov) or contact the Collier County Health Department at (239) 252-8200. You can also reach the FDOH Call Center for COVID-19 at (866) 779-6121, Monday through Friday, 8AM-midnight.
For City of Naples residents, Emergency Management has activated a COVID-19 hotline (239) 213-4902 that will be available Monday through Friday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM.
For more information, contact:
Emergency Management
Chief Pete DiMaria
(239) 213-4909
pdimaria@naplesgov.com
