Elderly people sleep in their cars waiting for the COVID-19 vaccine event in Volusia district

DAYTONA STRAND, Fla. Elderly people in Volusia province went more than 19 hours before the gates would open Tuesday for day two of the first-time vaccination COVID-19.

Cars were parked outside Daytona Stadium before 2pm on Monday, well ahead of Tuesday’s state-run event.

City officials from Daytona Beach said because people had already started camping for the vaccination event on Tuesday to ensure their safety, crew members allowed the first 1,000 people to enter Daytona Beach Stadium on Monday night at 7 p.m.

City officials hope the change will remove people from the lane and help with the early traffic congestion on LPGA Boulevard and the surrounding roads.

Toilets will be available inside the stadium.

Temps are expected to drop in the 40s in the Daytona Beach area Monday night.

Monday at 11 p.m., 700 people entered Daytona Stadium.

“I’m here with books and food, and a chair and just going to hang out,” said 67-year-old James Engelbrecht.

Engelbrecht said he was tired of being isolated.

“I just want the vaccine to liberate my life,” he said.

Judy Marquette, 74, said she’s going to camp out until we get the vaccine.

“We’re so scared to get sick because at our age we might not recover,” she said.

Patricia Boswell, spokeswoman for the health department, said the province of Volusia was trying to put in place an infrastructure that would support an appointment system.

“We will wait to get our award for this week before we link to our next website,” Boswell said.

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Authorities were forced to open the gates early Monday and turn others away due to demand for the coronavirus vaccine.

The Florida Department of Health offers Free COVID-19 vaccines to people 65 and older.

Patricia Boswell, of the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, asked residents to be patient while leaders work through the process.

“This is our first opportunity. The demand is extremely high, the supply is extremely low, ”she said.

The vaccine distribution plan would like the senior community to be first.

“We are senior citizens. We just want to get the vaccine,” said 67-year-old Fayna Ludz. “Please give us the vaccine.”

Lowell Croll, of New Smyrna Beach, said he has not been visiting his children in Massachusetts for two years.

“I’m 84 and have some heart issues,” he said. ‘I’m good, but I do not want to get (COVID-19). I do not want to take a chance. We are willing to do whatever we have to do. ”

Kathy Faddis was among those who got the chance on Monday. She said she hopes things will be more efficient in the future.

“As it progresses and they find the way to do it, it will move even smoother,” she said. “For the first time, I think they did very well.”