Escambia To Limit Group Sizes On The Beach; Sheriff Says Stop Hoarding

March 17, 2020

Escambia County and City of Pensacola officials upd

Escambia County will limit groups on the beach to 10 or fewer people, Commissioner Robert Bender said during afternoon press conference, keeping with CDC guidelines for public gatherings.’

Signs will be posted as the beach alerting the public, and the county will monitor.

Escambia County Health Department Director Dr. John Lanza would not provide any additional information about the one positive case in Escambia County, other than to say he traveled internationally, returned and was tested. He said the health department is performing “contact tracing” to find out who came into contact with the patient. Those persons are being contacted for evaluation.

“Stop hoarding,” Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said. He encouraged residents to follow voluntary guidelines to avoid more “draconian” measures that have been implemented in other states. “Stop hoarding, be compliant, make sure we don’t end up with involuntary quarantines in Escambia County.”

“This is not going to be the zombie apocalypse,” Morgan said in response to reports that residents are stockpiling ammunition.

Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said the district is working on plans in case students can’t return to class after two weeks. Students were already scheduled to be out for spring break this week, and that was extended through next week under a state order.

NorthEscambia.com images.

Comments

9 Responses to “Escambia To Limit Group Sizes On The Beach; Sheriff Says Stop Hoarding”

  1. Rose Baker on March 20th, 2020 7:30 pm

    The spring breakers are not following guidelines. Which is scary for everyone.. They are saying things “so what if we get it” and we’re going to party… This virus is really scary and they just don’t seem to care whether they get it or who they may give it to..

  2. retired on March 18th, 2020 8:17 am

    That is the Sheriff and Simmons for you can tell you the law (rules) BUT can’t follow them. ONLY 10 PEOPLE IN A GROUP – 6 FEET A PART.

    Sorry that doesn’t pertain to use

  3. Exibit A on March 18th, 2020 6:24 am

    Lead by example!!!!! What do you expect from others if our leadership is ignorant

  4. Piney Woods on March 18th, 2020 6:22 am

    People would be less likely to horde if they trusted ,or had faith in, the government.

  5. Harry J on March 18th, 2020 6:11 am

    They are public officials, their first priority is being in front of the camera.

  6. Lee on March 17th, 2020 6:48 pm

    Why aren’t they distancing???? I’ve noticed this on tv briefings, too. This morning there was a reporter at a store during their “senior” hours. She was bouncing all over, waving her hands around, walking backwards to face the camera, and bumping into people, making some of them move out of the way. At one of the zillion briefings on tv, the woman explaining how to stay well licked her finger to turn the page she was reading. We need to get a handle on this. Those of us who might have to work, attend meetings, etc. need to speak up about the importance of keeping some distance.

  7. Captain Obvious on March 17th, 2020 6:05 pm

    A classic case of “Do as I say, not as I do.”

  8. c on March 17th, 2020 3:03 pm

    Having so many people to present like that sends the wrong message, I count 20 including the translator.

  9. Michael Lore on March 17th, 2020 2:50 pm

    Limit of 10 people in a group at the beach but many people in a library passing germs directly to each other? Where is the logic with that?