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Tallahassee starting to feel the impact of COVID-19 rules

Posted at 11:23 PM, Mar 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-01 05:55:20-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Confirmed cases of coronavirus are increasing across Georgia and Florida and many are starting to feel significant impacts.

We've all had to quickly adapt to a new way of living under new laws and practices to help flatten the curve, be it changes in our day-to-day, or halting our "regular" lives completely.

While some say it hasn't affected them much, others say we could use more changes.

Tom Rice is ride-share driver, and says the spread of COVID-19 is changing the scenery in the Capital City.

"Three weeks ago, before all the college kids , it was very, very busy," said Rice. "Now it's still busy in a different way."

Businesses that are open have notices of changes plastered on their windows, and roads that once bustled with activity are a bit more empty.

That's in part because city leaders advise people to only leave home for the essentials.

"We're getting a lot more medical rides, people going to the hospital or doctors offices," Rice said, "and taking people to food banks."

The changes are also due to the curfew.

"I mean, it's a good idea, a step in the right direction," said Nate Parsons, a Tallahassee resident. "Making people aware that they shouldn't be out partying and they should be inside. But, at the same time, it's like we have just as much chance of catching coronavirus during the day as you do at night."

Tallahassee mayor John Dailey doesn't disagree.

"Look, we can't have large gatherings of people at any time during the day or night," Dailey said. "We can't have apartment complex pool parties on the weekend."

And as the need for social distancing increases with the number of confirmed cases, these lifestyle changes don't show signs of stopping anytime soon, but they're in place for everyone's protection.

"I think that we've taken great strides, but we need to work really hard," said Dailey. "I need people to make a little bit of a personal sacrifice. Stay home, keep themselves, but also our community, safe."

The county's curfew went into affect last Wednesday, and goes from 11 p.m. until five in the morning.

Both city and county leaders will reevaluate how long it stays in effect.