DORAL, Fla. — Two more Florida counties will enter Phase One of the state's reopening process on May 18.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued the executive order Thursday afternoon.
DeSantis said Broward and Miami-Dade counties have "progressed nicely in dealing with the pandemic." Under an executive order, they will be allowed to join Phase One on Monday.
The progress DeSantis mentioned is based on local leadership in both counties citing data that shows a "downward trajectory" of both influenza-like and COVID-like illnesses. Both counties have also shown a low percent of new individuals testing positive for the coronavirus, according to the executive order.
Phase One allows restaurants and retailers to operate at 25 percent capacity while maintaining social distancing guidelines. It was later expanded to include barbershops, along with hair and nail salons. Gyms remain closed for now.
Testing has expanded statewide, allowing for more data. In Broward County, the number of new cases per day has been declining for the last three days. But, the county still saw 48 new cases on Wednesday. Miami-Dade County actually saw a spike on Wednesday with 281 new cases.
DeSantis also said he will be in Jacksonville on Friday where he will make an announcement on the reopening of gyms.
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