County Officials Speak About Biketoberfest and COVID-19 During Press Conference.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

County officials put on a united effort to reiterate the message of the County’s campaign “Step up Volusia: Wash up. Back up. Mask up.”

“We want to stress to both visitors and residents to practice personal responsibility and personal safety,” said Director of Community Information, Kevin Captain.

Officials are reminding those that are participating in Biketoberfest this weekend, wear a helmet, wear a mask where physical distancing cannot be practiced, and frequently wash or sanitize your hands.

Jim Judge Director of Volusia County Emergency Management assured that the Emergency Management office was closely monitoring a low-pressure system in the Southwestern Gulf. If that system further develops, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahama’s look to be in the projected path, but the office will further monitor the system’s development.

Holly Smith, Government Liaison for the Florida Department of Health confirmed that the 14-day positivity rate has stayed under five percent for the last two weeks. Currently, the county’s positivity rate is at 4.8 percent.

Daytona Beach Police Chief, Craig Capri, and Volusia County Sheriff, Mike Chitwood, both spoke further on the upcoming events for the next two weekends here in Volusia County. They both urged that VCSO and DBPD are not the social distancing and mask police but encourage those partaking in events this weekend to practice measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“I want to shut down a rumor regarding Main Street being shut down completely,” Chief Capri said during the press conference. “Main Street is shut down to passenger vehicles and will be open to motorcycle traffic only. This decision, as it has been in the past, is for traffic safety concerns only.”

According to Chief Capri, “It’s business as usual except for COVID-19.”

Both Law Enforcement Agencies are prepared and are anticipating large crowds over the next two weekends, as the weather is supposed to be beautiful which means people are coming out more to explore.

“If you’re coming into our community, please respect our residents who live here. Other than that, have a great event and be safe,” said Sheriff Chitwood.