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
Tom is the host and producer of the DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition podcast, plus Disneyland Editor of The DIS. He enjoys traveling with his wife and teenage son. At this point, their favorite destination is Alaska, with a FIFTH cruise there planned for the Summer of 2019. In his spare time he volunteers with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, and help found his son's former Cub Scout Pack. His favorite Disneyland attraction is Space Mountain.
