19-year-old Jose Zacapa was released from Lawnwood Thursday, April 23, 2020, to a crowd of cheers after beating COVID-19 Wochit

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY Just one week ago, Indian River County officialssaidthere were no plans to re-open county facilities in an effort to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"I know everyone is eager to put this event behind us," County Administrator Jason Brown said at an afternoon news conference seven days ago,"But we need to make sure that we finish strong."

But on Friday, noting a "leveling-off" of COVID-19 cases,Brown announced anew plan for the county's facilities: Public beach access points will re-open Tuesday, followed by the re-opening of Sandridge Golf Club May 1.

"We're going to see how it goes," Brown said,"We're doing this on a weekday first, so that we're hoping that we have a nice opening experience for everyone."

Brown added that the county should not let its guard down in the battle to prevent the spread of the virus.

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During Friday's weekly COVID-19 press conference at the county's Emergency Operations Center, law enforcement joined county and health officials toshed new light on the countywideresponse to the virus.

Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar said deputies will "absolutely" be patrolling the beaches to ensure beach-goers are adhering to social distancing guidelines and avoiding large groups. There will also be county ambassadors on the beach reminding everyone to be responsible, Loar said.

"We are prepared to enforce," Loar said. "But again, our mission is to educate and inform before any type of enforcement."

Loar alsosaidthere are no confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the Indian River County Jail.

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Miranda Hawker, the county's health officer,confirmed four of the county's five COVID-19 deaths are associated with assisted living facilityHarborchase of Vero Beach.

The Health Department is reporting the facility at 4150 Indian River Boulevard also has seven cases of the virus, Hawker said. The Departmentis constantly communicating with assisted living facilities on the status of their residents, Hawker added.

"Consistently, we have our nursing homes and our assisted living facilities reporting those residents who may have symptoms," Hawker said. "So we're tracking that across the board."

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Max Chesnes is a TCPalm breaking news reporter for Indian River County. You can keep up with Max on Twitter @MaxChesnes, email him at max.chesnes@tcpalm.com and give him a call at 772-978-2224.

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Will IRCSO patrol county beaches when they re-open Tuesday? 'Absolutely,' sheriff says - TCPalm