Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced that phase one of the reopening of Florida is about to begin. But Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach will not be parting of this reopening because there are too many cases of COVID-19 in the area.
Broward Mayor Dale Holness has also said Broward needs more time for a reopening can happen. Although more activities are open in Broward, Hollywood has not yet reopened parks and other public areas.
DeSantis said it is important to safe, smart and to do it step by step. He also said that the fears of huge number of COVID-19 deaths did not happen and that in most of the state there were fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths than some healthcare officials expected.
In phase one there will still be distance learning in the schools, visits to senior citizen facilities will be prohibited. Retail stores will be encouraged to reopen but there will be an effort to reduce density in the stores.
Restaurants will be able to serve customers in outdoor areas of social distancing is maintained and inside at 25 percent capacity.
Bars, hair salons, gymnasiums and movie theaters will remain closed.
DeSantis said that individuals should wear face masks when near other people but they will not be fined if they don’t. People are not expected to wear face masks if jogging or walking alone.
DeSantis said that many people have suffered because of COVID-19. High School seniors won’t get to have graduation ceremonies and proms. Businesses have closed and people have lost jobs. DeSantis wants people to work together to get through the crisis and not be afraid of the situation.
