ORLANDO, Fla. — Phase Two of reopening Florida began Friday, with places like movie theaters, bowling alleys and bars able to reopen with restrictions.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued the executive order for Phase Two on Wednesday after speaking from a just-reopened Universal Orlando. The guidance is similar to what the White House put out for Phase Two of reopening the country.
Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are excluded from Phase Two until each county seeks approval with a written request from its mayor and is given the green light by the governor.
Here's what will reopen in Phase Two in 64 Florida counties:
- Bars and pubs can reopen at 50-percent capacity inside, full capacity outside
- Restaurants can seat people at bars inside. Nightclubs are not included.
- Bowling alleys, movie theaters, concert houses auditoriums and arcades can reopen at 50-percent capacity
- Personal services like tanning, massage, body piercing, acupuncture and tattoo shops can operate with appropriate safety guidelines outlined by the Department of Health
The governor also mentioned during his press conference that gyms can operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitation, but the addition was notably missing from the executive order issued this afternoon.
Pari-mutuel facilities, where betting occurs, like dog racing, horse racing and casinos, among others, are welcomed to submit a written request from its county's mayor to the Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for approval to reopen.
All businesses, no matter what capacity of operation has returned, must continue to abide by social distancing protocols and supply "appropriate" sanitation.
Violations of the governors' executive order are second-degree misdemeanors that are punishable by imprisonment up to 60 days, a fine of up to $500, or both.
DeSantis's order also notes people in the state are encouraged to avoid groups larger than 50 people. Seniors with significant underlying medical conditions are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and all persons who work in long term care facilities should be tested for the coronavirus on a routine basis.
Florida universities will present reopening plans on June 23.
You can read the full executive order here.
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