Local

Video shows dozens gathered in The Villages during coronavirus pandemic

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A video sent by a viewer to Eyewitness News shows residents in The Villages hanging out, watching the sunset at Lake Sumter – despite Sumter County leaders urging people to stay home and maintain social distancing.

“If they’re not complying and they’re exposing themselves and others, they’re placing folks at risk, and they’re placing themselves, primarily, at risk,” assistant county administrator Stephen Kennedy said.

Read: Gov. DeSantis to issue stay-at-home order in Florida

Last week, staff from UF Health Medical and The Villages checked out 2,280 people. Officials say 23 people with symptoms tested positive, and two people without symptoms tested positive.

Although the number of positive test was low, officials said it increased slightly as the week progressed, suggesting the infection is starting to move into the community.

“These results show evidence of initial community spread. Howerver, it does not appear to be widespread, at least so far,” said Dr. Michael Lauzardo, deputy director of the UF Emerging Pathogens Institute. “We are continuing to closely monitor the situation.”

Read: Florida one month away from peak of coronavirus cases, Orange County mayor says

Lauzardo said that though a week is a short period of time, “the fact that we saw increases in the number of positive tests as the week progressed raised concerns that the infection is just beginning to take hold in the community.”

Only a few people were out and about in The Villages Friday. The only parking lots full were at grocery and hardware stores.

Residents said they understand staying at home and practicing social distance will save lives.

“It’s going to come to an end,” Jim Boudreau said. “It’s a waiting game and we can all just understand that, I think we can get through it.”

Read: What we know about coronavirus: 3 things that have changed

Myrt Price

Myrt Price, WFTV.com

Myrt Price joined the eyewitness news team as a general assignment reporter in October of 2012.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.