Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that Phase 1 of his plan to reopen the state will begin on Monday, May 4. Updated rules will be in place except in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, which have been the most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Phase 1 does not specifically address Florida’s theme parks, however does provide updated rules on retail and dining.
- Restaurants can reopen with 6-foot social distancing for outdoor seating and 25% capacity for indoor seating.
- Retail establishments can reopen with 25% capacity.
- Elective surgeries can resume.
- Schools campuses will not reopen and will remain on “distance learning”.
- Visits to senior facilities will not be allowed until a testing procedure can be implemented.
- Bars will stay closed.
- Gyms will stay closed.
- Hair salons will stay closed.
- Movie theaters will stay closed.
- Those over 65 and/or at risk should remain home.
While not mandating them, DeSantis recommended the wearing of face masks when social distancing can’t be maintained.
DeSantis said that moving to a Phase 2 would be based on both hospital capacity and the lack of any major surge in cases during Phase 1. He suggested that Phase 2 would begin in weeks, not months.
While Phase 1 begins on Monday, some local governments have tighter restrictions that remain in place or would need to be lifted.
Source: Orlando Sentinel
Image: Governor Ron DeSantis
