When will Florida enter phase 3 of reopening?

Here’s what to expect when it happens

During an event in Miami, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that both Broward and Miami-Dade Counties will joins the rest of the state in Phase 2 of reopening beginning on Monday.

Here in Central Florida, performance halls continue to prepare to reopen and bars can reopen on Monday -- so what’s next?

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DeSantis has not indicated when Phase 3 could happen, however his reopening plan calls for Phase 3 when “there is no evidence of a rebound or resurgence of COVID-19 cases.”

Most of Florida entered Phase 2 more than three months ago.

Below are the highlights from the governor’s plan. You can also find the Re-Open Florida Task Force report from April that includes all three phases here.


Vulnerable populations

Those 65 and older or those with underlying medical conditions who are most at risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19 can resume public interactions as long as they continue practice social distancing. They should inform their employer so that accommodations can be made.

Social gatherings

While no limit is placed on the number of people together at one time, residents should still consider avoiding crowded spaces. Under phase two, gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited. That number was 10 in phase one.

Travel

If you’re itching for a vacation, phase three is the time to do it since non-essential travel will be allowed to resume. This also includes work-related travel.

Telework

Employers should develop a phased approach to bringing workers back in the office. From there, unrestricted staffing of workplaces can happen once more. Still, employers should take measures to prevent sick people from entering the building. Vulnerable individuals should consider continuing to telework.

Bars and nightclubs

Full capacity can resume at these establishments once again but sanitation and other measures should be taken to stop the spread of germs. Nightclubs have been closed since mid-March and bars are scheduled to reopen for a second time starting Monday.

Restaurants

Full capacity and service can happen with limited social distancing protocols in place. Extra sanitation measures include either providing disposable paper menus or disinfecting laminated menus after each use.

Gyms and fitness centers

Gyms are already operating at full capacity with the governor’s approval, the only difference during phase three is that they’ll be able to do away with the current social distancing protocols.

Recreation

State parks, beaches, movie theaters, concert halls, playhouses, casinos, arcades and the like can fully reopen with limited social distancing measures.

Large sporting events and theme parks

Theme parks would be allowed to operate at pre-COVID capacity. Reducing capacity and limited social distancing is, however, recommended for large sporting events.

Vacation rentals

When phase three rolls around, pre-pandemic procedures can take place but the heightened cleaning and disinfecting is still recommended.

Personal services businesses

Hair salons, spas, tattoo parlors and similar establishments will be allowed to operate at full capacity although mitigation measures should still be taken. Those include cleaning work stations between clients and removing frequently touched items such as magazines.

Retail businesses

Shops are operating at full capacity now so there won’t be any changes there. They are being asked to continue sanitation protocols.


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About the Author

It has been an absolute pleasure for Clay LePard living and working in Orlando since he joined News 6 in July 2017. Previously, Clay worked at WNEP TV in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he brought viewers along to witness everything from unprecedented access to the Tobyhanna Army Depot to an interview with convicted double-murderer Hugo Selenski.

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