Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says bars, movie theaters and bowling alleys will be able to reopen under the state’s Phase II plan, which will start Friday, June 5.
While speaking to reporters at Universal Orlando on Wednesday, DeSantis said bars will be able to reopen at 50% capacity inside, and full capacity outside. The governor also said movie theaters and bowling alleys can reopen at 50% capacity.
“So, basically, outdoor seating with social distance, a certain amount indoors but you're seated to get served,” said DeSantis. “I mean, people go enjoy having a drink, it's fine. We want to kind of not have huge crowds piling in.”
Today's executive order, which is part of the governor's three-part plan to reopen Florida, also allows the reopening of concert venues, auditoriums, playhouses, arcades, tattoo parlors, acupuncture establishments, tanning salons and massage establishments. These facilities will also have to reopen at 50% capacity, and adhere to social distancing protocols.
Stores and gyms will now be allowed to open at full capacity.
The Phase II reopening will include all Florida counties, except Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward, which are areas that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19. Businesses in those counties can request permission to reopen from local leaders.
DeSantis didn't give more details on Phase II, other than he will "inch" into it in a "measured" way.
“Now, the virus isn't gone. I think that we're testing a lot. We are identifying cases, particularly in prisons, amongst agriculture workers, amongst areas where you have a lot of congregation, close quarters for a long period of time,” said DeSantis. “And so we're going to continue to keep an eye on that, continue to test in those areas. But I think we have an opportunity to continue to move forward in a safe, smart, step-by-step approach, and I think it gets more people in Florida more opportunities.”
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