COVID-19: Shifts for health, safety happening ahead of RNC in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Tuesday, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said in a news conference the city is ready to take on the Republican National Convention in August.

The convention is expected to boost the local economy, but there are concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19. As tens of thousands are expected to come to the River City for the convention, Curry said visitors and residents will be safe.

Tuesday, Duval County reported 80 new COVID-19 cases -- that’s higher than in recent days.

Curry said the percentage of positive tests is dropping locally.

Right now, Jacksonville is at 2.8% compared to 5.5% statewide

“My commitment to the city of Jacksonville is we watch hospitalizations, we watch percentage of positives to those that are most vulnerable. We have to learn how to live with this in a safe and responsible way.” Curry said.

Curry said hospital numbers and coronavirus-related 911 calls are back down.

Action News Jax learned the testing site at Lot J outside TIAA Bank Field will be moved ahead of the RNC, something that was in the works according to this statement from a city spokesperson.

“We started working on alternate options well before the RNC was even a thought for Jacksonville. This was for a lot of reasons. It’s extremely hot, it’s shut down constantly because of weather (hours at a time) and we are just now heading into storm season. We also have not mentioned it because the plan isn’t complete yet and we were not ready to release the details. We are trying to speed up the process and I promise to get you as much info as I can as soon as possible.”

Curry said expect to see temperature checks and other safety measures at this year’s RNC.

Curry said he will adjust if numbers rise, but that August is months away and he cannot predict what things will look like.

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