Coronavirus: Florida issues stay-at-home order after spring breakers ignore social distancing guidelines and party on beaches

Governor says 'it makes sense to make this move now' while facing extensive pressure to issue strict measures amid pandemic

The governor of Florida has issued a statewide stay-at-home order to remain in effect for at least 30 days beginning Thursday, after facing extensive criticism over a seemingly slow response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla) announced the temporary orders while under pressure from local and federal health officials to step up partial measures the state was taking to slow the spread of Covid-19 transmissions.

Spring breakers stirred controversy in recent weeks as they partied on Florida's coastline, ignoring social distancing and self-isolation guidelines as the state confirmed more than 5,200 cases of the coronavirus.

A fever-tracking map featuring real-time data reported from across the country began to suggest an apparent outbreak of illnesses in the state after the spring break festivities, as The Independent previously reported.

In a press conference on Wednesday, the governor sense “it makes sense to make this move now” while acknowledging the White House guidelines to practice self-isolation measures for an additional 30 days.

Donald Trump initially said he wanted the country to “re-open” on Easter Sunday while calling for “packed churches all over” on the religious holiday, but extended a 15-day initiative after speaking to leading infectious disease experts.

With the latest measures going into effect at midnight, Florida becomes one of at least 33 states with some form of stay-at-home orders issued for hundreds of millions of Americans.

The stay-at-home order adds to previous measures the governor had taken amid the coronavirus outbreak, including highway checkpoints to ensure anyone arriving to the state from impacted areas like New York receive mandatory self-isolation orders.

Local governments throughout Florida have also issued restrictive measures in light of the pandemic. In Miami, where the mayor confirmed he tested positive for Covid-19, all resident must adhere to a 10:00 pm curfew.

The governor said on Wednesday: "Although the guidelines don't call for any new action ... I think it's clear it effectively represents a national pause.”

"The numbers are pretty stark," he added. "I think this thing was circulating during the Super Bowl. Now, Miami's rate of cases is a lot higher than statewide."

The White House reportedly gave Mr DeSantis its blessing to implement the stay-at-home order.