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Florida sees second day in a row of over 2,000 new coronavirus cases

Florida reported two consecutive days of more than 2,000 new daily cases of the coronavirus as the Sunshine State reopened additional beaches during the pandemic, according to a report.

On Saturday, the state reported a daily record of 2,581 cases of COVID-19, with 2,016 were reported Sunday, ABC News reported.

Most of Florida has entered Phase Two of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reopening plan, which allowed bars, movie theaters and tattoo parlors to resume operations on June 5 with restrictions.

Beaches in Miami-Dade County were allowed to reopen Wednesday after closing in the middle of March.

Ambassadors are stationed at county beaches to remind visitors of the rules, which include no groups larger than 10 and face coverings ready to use at all times, Miami ABC affiliate WPLG reported.

Beachgoers take advantage of the opening of South Beach, Florida.
Beachgoers take advantage of the opening of South Beach, Florida.Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who has recovered from COVID-19, told “Good Morning America” he was concerned about the disturbing number of cases.

“We continue to see data that’s indicating that cases are going up,” he said Saturday. “That still doesn’t incorporate Memorial Day weekend, and that still doesn’t incorporate the protests, which we know have congregated thousands of people in our city, many of which are not wearing masks.”

He said he wouldn’t rule out pausing the city’s reopening based on the data.

Guests wearing masks stroll through SeaWorld in Orlando as it reopened with new safety measures in place.
Guests wearing masks stroll through SeaWorld in Orlando after it reopened with new safety measures in place.AP

“We have been data-driven from the first day, and we’re going to continue to be data-driven,” he said on “GMA.” “The data is concerning. And we may have to make some decisions after this weekend as the data comes in.”

As of Sunday, the Florida Health Department reported 75,568 cases of the illness and 2,931 deaths.