Duval County

Coronavirus: Major concerts return to Jacksonville stages, Action News Jax Medical Expert weighs in

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Machine Gun Kelly will take the stage in Daily’s Place’s first full capacity concert since the pandemic began.

Brad Paisley also announced a return to Jacksonville in July for a 75% concert also at Daily’s Place.

Action News Jax Medical Expert Dr. Michelle Aquino addressed some concerns with a return to big events during the pandemic.

She said Duval County had a 4% positivity rate last week. Now it is about 4.29%.

“It’s gone up in the last week so that means our numbers are creeping up. Now the number is not that high,” she said. “If that number has been creeping up slowly and by the time your event presents and the number is even higher, you’re going to have to rethink going to the event.”

Daily’s Place is an open-air venue which Dr. Aquino said offers more protection than an indoor event because of the ventilation.

UFC announced an event in Jacksonville at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 24.

Tickets for the event are already in high demand.

Dr. Aquino said if you plan on attending any of these events, you should get vaccinated first.

She added wearing a mask will be your best layer of protection.

The events come as public health officials are concerned about the more contagious U.K. variant of COVID-19.

Florida has one of the highest case counts of B.1.1.7 with more than 3,500 cases, according to the CDC.

In a statement, Daily’s Place told Action News Jax:

“The safety of fans, artists, and staff is always our top priority. We will be in regular communication with local health and public safety officials and will continue to abide by all guidelines as they are put forth. As each event approaches, ticket holders will receive regular updates with the important information needed to plan their visit to Daily’s Place, including any changes to policies and procedures they’ll need to know before entering the venue for their event. Updates will be shared on our website, through our social media channels, and direct to ticket holders via email.”