JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Football is back. The first preseason game for the Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off against the Cleveland Browns, although, it wasn’t what fans hoped for, as the Jaguars lost 23-13.
There’s a renewed energy for the team, and fans were thrilled to be back. Bobby Smith said this is a new era.
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“It’s all about the hope, baby,” he said.
Hope is something the Jaguars will need after going 1-15 last season, but with the new additions of head coach Urban Meyer and first overall pick Trevor Lawrence, fan Will Tillo says that record is in the past.
“I don’t think we will be a Super Bowl contender, that would be awesome right? Don’t get me wrong,” Tillo said. “Just seeing progress, that’s what we’re excited to see.”
Even if the tailgating and cheering started early, the season comes at a time when COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are soaring to new heights. According to the Florida Department of Health, Duval County added 6,358 new cases in the last week.
The Jaguars have said masks are recommended for unvaccinated guests in accordance with state and local guidelines.
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Dr. Chirag Patel with UF Health Jacksonville said fans should still be careful.
“Because you can’t be six feet away from someone who is not in your COVID bubble, when you’re at an outdoor event you really should be wearing a mask because of how contagious Delta is,” he said.
For the first full capacity game allowed in over a year, fans tell Action News Jax they plan on following precautions.
“You always want to be mindful of other people, like you might not care as much but other people, it might affect them, or has, with their family in ways,” Tillo said. “So, I like to be respectful. Do your part.”
Patel said that to take care and protect yourself if you will be outdoors, you should wash your hands, stay away from touching your eyes or mouth and wear a mask. If you’re not feeling well, he says you should stay home.
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