On Friday, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry gave an update on topics related to COVID-19 including the addition of several new testing sites scheduled to open next week.
Amid some technical difficulties, Curry said that the community needs to remain vigilant in the fight against the virus and continue to practice safe habits.
"Anyone who thinks this virus is not a real threat and that we don't need to wear masks or social distance needs to understand that community spread is real," Curry said. "This virus has severely impacted the lives of many people in our country."
At this time, Curry said he's not considering rolling back any of the mandated COVID-19 reopening orders such as those impacting restaurants and other hospitality and entertainment-related venues. He said that our numbers are low enough to justify them staying open and if he were to roll back some of the reopening guidelines, the economic impact could be catastrophic.
He says the percentage of people in ICU's around the city are not as high as they were back in the March/April timeframe.
He also mentioned the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local children.
"Young people have for months now missed everything that comes with being a young person," said Curry. "...We as leaders have to navigate this because continued disruption of our children's lives is just unacceptable."
City officials say new testing sites will be established at various locations around Jacksonville and that more information can be found on this list starting next week.