Jacksonville-area coronavirus updates: Lot J COVID-19 testing site to open at 10 a.m.

NORTHEAST FLORIDA, SOUTHEAST GEORGIA — More than 56,000 people in Florida and 47,000 people in Georgia have been infected with COVID-19, and the number of deaths from the outbreak continues to rise. Officials are attempting to contain the coronavirus outbreak in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

Action News Jax has the very latest information on Florida and Georgia cases of the coronavirus LIVE on FOX30 and CBS47. Click here to watch.

NOTE: As new information related to the coronavirus comes in regarding Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, we will update this story. Please read the entire article for the latest information for June 2.

Lot J COVID-19 testing site to open at 10 a.m.

June 2, 7:54 a.m.: After previously announcing the COVID-19 testing site at Lot J in Jacksonville would remain closed Tuesday, leaders now say the testing site will open at 10 a.m. Action News Jax is working to learn more information.

Lot J COVID-19 testing site to remain closed Tuesday

June 2, 7:54 a.m.: The COVID-19 testing site at Lot J in Jacksonville was scheduled to reopen at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, the first in a few days, but city leaders say it will remain closed. Action News Jax is working to learn more information.

People can still get tested for the coronavirus at other local testing locations by making an appointment via CVS Health or Walmart via Quest.

How to be tested for COVID-19 in Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia

Protesters encouraged to get tested for COVID-19

June 2, 5:34 a.m.: The LOT J testing site in Jacksonville will reopen for the first time in days. City offices are also reopening this morning. Both were closed because of anti-police brutality protests that happened downtown in Jacksonville over the weekend.

The protests brought in large crowds and Mayor Lenny Curry said anyone who participated in the protests should go to either LOT J or to another site to be tested for COVID-19.

RELATED: Nationwide protests cause coronavirus concerns | How to be tested for COVID-19 in Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia

Action News Jax saw a majority of people following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by wearing masks but some did not.

Dr. David Caro with UF Health told Action News Jax it’s not just the close proximity that could increase the spread the coronavirus. The shouting during protests can create more respiratory droplets, increasing the risk of exposure.

“The reason we wear face masks is actually to protect other people, as weird as that sounds. The face masks prevent droplets spread. If I’m talking to you and I spray out viral droplets and particles, the hope is my mask will catch it,” Caro said. Some demonstrators told Action News Jax they’re willing to risk the virus to make sure their message is heard.

There are more than 1,600 coronavirus cases in Duval County.

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