Duval County

Health Experts: Florida seeing COVID-19 cases go up, but say too early to call it a second wave

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida is one of several states that were the first to start reopening the economy.

Health experts warn there will be a rise in COVID-19 cases as beaches, restaurants and businesses continue to open up.

That’s why it’s important to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

The city of Jacksonville recently announced it will host the Republican National Convention in August, which will bring in thousands of people to the city.

Tony Wilbourn worries what it could mean for the number of coronavirus cases in the area.

"It’s a virus. I mean I listen to science, and in my opinion, so I think it’s going to spread," Wilborn said.

On Thursday, Florida health officials reported the highest daily increase in new coronavirus infections in the state.

The Florida Department of Health reported almost 1,700 new cases.

Chad Neilsen, the director of accreditation in infection prevention for University of Florida Health, said Duval County officials are testing 1,600 to 3,000 people each day.

He said as the number of testing sites increases in the city, the more likely the number of cases will go up since tests are more widely available.

Neilsen also said any situation in which 15,000 people get together, such as a national a convention, there's always a risk that COVID-19 will spread.

Right now, he said just because Florida is seeing a slight increase in cases, it doesn't mean there will be a second wave of the virus.

"I think it’s probably premature to say we’re in a second bump. I mean, if you look at the hospitalizations across the state, they’ve been relatively flat. You might see some peaks and valleys here and there on the data chart, but I don’t think we’re quite there yet," Neilsen said.

Health experts with UF Health said it's important for county health departments and local governments to work together in order to make sure events like the RNC are safe.

When the convention comes to town,​ Wilbourn said he wants to see safety measures in place.

“I want them to emphasize social distancing especially in restaurants and places within the community. I really think they should require the mask to be worn, especially for big events like that,” Wilbourn said.