COVID Numbers Break New Record at Nearly 9,000; Drinking Alcohol Suspended at Bars

All alcohol consumption at Florida bars suspended effective immediately

Effective immediately, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is suspending the on-premises consumption of alcohol at bars statewide.

The announcement comes Friday as Florida coronavirus cases continue to climb. Florida reported nearly 9,000 new cases, which shatters the previous single-day record.

The Florida agency that governs bars announced the on Twitter just minutes after the Department of Health reported the new confirmed cases.

Officials said this is only for bars, not restaurants that serve alcohol.

Texas governor orders further restrictions to slow Covid-19 spread

Texas’ governor ordered further restrictions on businesses Friday, a day after he “paused” a phased economic reopening following a surge in coronavirus cases.

The state reported a record of almost 6,000 new cases on Thursday as infection numbers are rising in more than 30 states. The US just set a daily record for new coronavirus cases, and federal health officials warned that the number of people who’ve been infected is vastly undercounted.
“At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars,” Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday in a news release.

Under the new order, bars may remain open for delivery and take-out, including alcoholic beverages. Restaurants can have only 50% capacity for dining in. Rafting and tubing businesses must close. Outdoor gatherings of 100 people or more must be approved by local governments.Florida on Friday also banned on-premises alcohol consumption at bars, according to a tweet from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.

Oklahoma State Fair canceled amid coronavirus pandemic

OKLAHOMA CITY —
The 2020 Oklahoma State Fair has been canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced Friday.

According to a news release, officials decided to cancel the event this year due to the evolving COVID-19 health crisis, its impact on the community health and well-being.

Officials said in the news release that after extensive communications with the event’s partners, including other state fairs, national touring acts, state and local officials, as well as public health agencies, it became clear to the Oklahoma State Fair’s Board of Directors that cancelation was the prudent choice for 2020 and the correct course of action for the Oklahoma State Fair to do its part for community health and safety and to mitigate the potential spread of infection.

“The impact of the state fair’s cancellation will be felt far beyond the loss of our annual celebration,” stated Timothy J. O’Toole, President & CEO of Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. “We are tremendously saddened for the businesses, large and small, that rely on the income and exposure that the state fair brings them each year. We are also heartbroken for our staff, who have worked so diligently on planning for this year’s fair; the competitors and exhibitors, who take part in our various creative arts, horse and livestock events; and of course, the general Fairgoers who look forward to attending the fair each year.”