On Fri., Sept. 25, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida would be moving forward to Phase 3 of the COVID-19 reopening plan after months of Phase 2.
Restaurants and retailers are now allowed to operate at full capacity with this new phase starting immediately. Restaurants still have the option to operate at half capacity, despite local rulings as stated by the Governor, but have the ability to open up to 100%.
Bars are no longer required to remain closed unless they are able to effectively cite closures for economic or health-related reasons. Gov. DeSantis’ new order blocks local government’s abilities to intervene and order further closures and or, revert back to limited occupancy. According to reports, “The order also prohibits local governments from collecting fines related to pandemic-related mandates, such as mask requirements.”
Despite the reopening, social distancing protocols are still recommended for restaurants, as well as proper sanitation. According to the plan, “Businesses should maintain adequate sanitation practices among employees and patrons during all hours of operation. Menus, if laminated, should continue to be cleaned after each usage. Paper menus shall be designed for single-use and then disposed of immediately after use.”
More from Phase 3 includes:
- Those ages 65+ and those with underlying medical issues should still continue to social distance but may resume public interactions.
- Healthy persons should still continue to monitor large crowds + time spent within them.
- Non-essential travel may resume.
- Employers must remain vigilant about their employees and the spread of COVID-19 at work.
To brush up on what the reopening plan looks like for Florida, check out the Plan for Florida’s Recovery here. Details on Phase 3 are provided on pg. 27.
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