With Florida’s stay at home order set to expire April 30th, we learned yesterday Governor Ron DeSantis would be making a big announcement today.
And while some beaches and parks have already begun to re-open throughout parts of Florida, Governor DeSantis has just laid out his plan to gradually re-open more businesses and public areas in the following weeks to come.
Governor Ron DeSantis has been meeting regularly with the Re-Open Florida Task Force, a team comprised of business leaders across several areas of commerce. Over the last week, they’ve discussed many possible safety regulations and guidelines for restarting the state’s economy. Several members of the committee represent Florida’s tourism industry including President of Walt Disney World Resort Josh D’Amaro.
Click here to read some of the new guidelines regarding Florida’s theme parks being discussed by the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force here!
But while many of these new proposals are being talked about openly and often, there hasn’t been an official date attached to Florida’s expected re-opening. Today, Governor Ron DeSantis finally announced starting May 4th, Florida would slowly begin to reopen businesses including retail stores and restaurants in what he is referring to as “Phase One.” This will exclude Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. Governor DeSantis hopes these three counties can join the rest of the state soon, but so far Southern Florida has been the most impacted.
During Phase One, Florida restaurants and shops will be able to re-open with a indoor occupancy of 25%. Restaurants will also be allowed to offer outdoor seating with six feet of spacing between tables.
Elective surgeries will also resume in Phase One as long as hospitals have adequate PPE and can prevent a surge in cases from occurring. Schools will continue practicing distance learning while no visitors in long-term care or senior living facilities will be permitted until rapid testing is more readily available. Governor DeSantis will reconsider this issue when it’s safer to do so.
Larger venues such as movie theaters will not open in Phase One. “Prudence dictates we go a little slower on that,” Governor DeSantis said. He’s also waiting on gyms and bars until he sees how it’s working out with other states. Personal services that require face-to-face interactions such as hair salons and barbershops are not expected to open at this time either.
Governor DeSantis also gave a list of his priorities moving forward which included protecting Florida’s more vulnerable communities, increasing testing, continuing to promote social distancing, keeping hospitals from reaching capacity, and preventing the introduction of the virus from outside the state.
At this time Governor DeSantis recommends residents with pre-existing health conditions or those who are over the age of 65 to continue taking extra precautions by practicing social distancing and not going out unless absolutely necessary.
We’ll continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
More Disney Park Closure Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Disney Parks Closure Extended “Until Further Notice.”
Should I Cancel My Disney World Vacation?
Disney’s Closure Timeline and What It Could Mean For Disney’s Reopening
Your Disney Trip Was Canceled -- Now What? DO'S and DON'TS to Cancel, Get Refunds, and Reschedule
Disney World and Disneyland Closure Questions Answered!
Are Disney World Restaurants Really Just Firing Everybody?! It’s Much More Complicated Than You Think
TRENDING NOW
The holidays are ALMOST here at Disneyland.
We're so intrigued about the new Encanto ride that's coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in...
A Magic Kingdom fireworks change is coming in 2025!
This is a TOTAL game changer for Disney experts!
Let's talk about some NEW Disney World Hotel Hacks!
Disney World is getting eight new attractions, but will two of them use screens?
LEGO fans, we've found the next BEST Star Wars set waiting to come home with...
TONS of Disney Loungefly bags are on SALE!
Prepare to be SPOOKED by Disney's NEW popcorn bucket souvenir.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident at the Magic Kingdom.
Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort is undergoing a massive transformation. We’ve already seen parts of...
We have a brand new Tick Tock the Crocodile merchandise collection, check it out here!
Check out EVERYTHING you need to eat at the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival!
We have a name for the new land along with the Disney movie inspiration and...
We spotted an awesome hidden secret in Disney World! Check it out here.
We're not the only ones who love the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival... and that's...
We're checking out all the exclusive merchandise you can get at Disney's Oogie Boogie Bash!
Another store has closed at Disney Springs.
We've got big news about a popular Disney World event!
Don't believe these myths about Hollywood Studios.