The sunshine state is slowly turning the light switch back on to open up the state – via a step-by-step process. This announcement was made on Wed., April 29 by Gov. DeSantis. According to the governor, FL has followed the gating criteria given by the White House.
Here’s a ~2-minute overview of the first part of the plan (called “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan For Florida’s Recovery”) entails. ⬇️
- The first phase begins Mon., May 4 for the state (everywhere except Broward, Miami-Dade + Palm Beach counties).
- Schools remain distance learning.
- Telework is encouraged, if possible.
- Visits to senior living facilities are prohibited.
- Elective surgeries can resume.
- Restaurants may offer outdoor seating with a six-foot space between tables and indoor seating at 25% capacity.
- Retail can operate at 25% of indoor capacity.
- Movie theatres will not be reopening.
- No change for bars, gyms and, personal services such as hairdressers.
- Vulnerable individuals should avoid close contact with people outside the home.
- All individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distance from others.
- Avoid socializing in groups of 10 or more people in circumstances that do not readily allow for physical distancing.
- Face masks are recommended for all those in face-to-face interactions and where you can’t social distance.
Florida’s next steps
Here are the key metrics to consider as we move into the next steps. ⬇️
- The state maintains the health benchmarks of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan.
- Maintaining hospital bed capacity.
- Monitoring COVID-19 test positivity rate.
Gov. DeSantis said in the briefing that there will also be a continuation of protection of the most vulnerable, social distancing, hospital + healthcare support + prevention of virus introduction from places outside of the state. An expansion of testing will also occur, especially to underserved communities.
Additionally, Gov. DeSantis hopes that each phase will last weeks, not months.
