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DeSantis: Four University Of Florida Students Test Positive For Coronavirus; Bars Suspended

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a raft of new restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus. (Fresh Take Florida/WUFT News file photo)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a raft of new restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus. (Fresh Take Florida/WUFT News file photo)

Update, March 18, 2020, at 7:32 a.m.: Here are reactions to this news.

Original story, March 17, 2020, at 11:24 a.m.: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday morning four University of Florida students tested positive for coronavirus.

He gave little details other than that one had recently traveled internationally.

Separately, a 77-year-old male died in Broward County as a result of the virus.

He intends to recommend to the state's Board of Governors to instruct university presidents to hold online classes only for the remainder of the spring semester. The University of Florida did so about an hour later via an email from President Kent Fuchs.

"The goal is that the students not stay congregated on campus and actually return home," DeSantis said. "We think that will be safer for everyone."

He also recommended Florida restaurants screen employees for the virus, keep capacity at under 50% and provide takeout options as much as possible. Bars and nightclubs will be suspended for 30 days as of Tuesday at 5 p.m.

DeSantis noted that not every county yet has a case, but that it does affect the whole state in ways large and small. Even beaches will have some spacing restrictions, he said, putting a clamp on remaining spring break festivities in the state's coastal areas.

https://www.facebook.com/GovRonDeSantis/videos/2470275949900848

Ethan is the Managing Editor in the Innovation News Center, home to WUFT News.He is a Pennsylvania native who found a home reporting Florida's stories. Reach him by emailing emagoc@wuft.org or calling 352-294-1525.