Governor DeSantis Announces Phase 1 of Reopening Florida Plan
Governor DeSantis has announced “Phase 1” of his plan to reopen Florida’s economy, which will begin on May 4. Florida schools will continue with distance learning and movie theaters, bars, gyms, salons, and barbers remain closed. Nonessential retail stores can reopen at 25% capacity and restaurants can open with outdoor seating spaced six feet apart and indoor seating at 25% capacity. Elective surgeries will resume for hospitals. Social distancing and the use of face masks remain recommended. The next two phases will reportedly depend on the success of “Phase 1”.
Trump Unlikely to Extend White House Social Distancing Guidelines
Earlier today, President Trump announced that he is not planning to extend the White House’s social distancing guidelines that will expire tomorrow. Trump said the guidelines will likely be “fading out”. Yesterday, he also announced a goal to conduct 5 million COVID-19 tests per day throughout the country.
More Re-Openings of Outdoor Public Spaces
Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have reopened outdoor public spaces including parks and golf courses, though restrictions remain in place. Fort Lauderdale has also reopened its parks and marinas, though its public beaches have not been reopened yet. Manatee County public beaches will reopen on Monday, but visitors cannot bring coolers and umbrellas or use the parking lot for more than two hours and concessions stands will not open. Pinellas County will reopen community pools tomorrow and beaches on Monday. Hernando County has reopened its parks and beaches, though visitors are required to maintain social distancing.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor Announces No Changes to Plans for Super Bowl LV
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has announced that plans for Super Bowl LV remain intact. Earlier today, she reported that she was “very, very optimistic” that the game would go on as scheduled for February 2021. The NFL has suggested that the game may be delayed by 1-2 weeks from its original date of February 7.
Hillsborough County Relief Program Opens Online Submission Form
Hillsborough County’s Rapid Response Recovery Program has now opened an online submission form for those needing assistance with utility, rent, and mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The form can be found here: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/public-safety/emergency-management/stay-safe/r3-program.
Updated Numbers
There are now 33,193 cases throughout the state of Florida and 1,218 deaths. In Duval County, there are 1,007 cases and 20 deaths. In Hillsborough County, there are 1,105 cases and 23 deaths. In Orange County, there are 1,371 cases and 33 deaths. In Pasco County, there are 234 cases and 6 deaths. In Pinellas County, there are 718 cases and 34 deaths. In Polk County, there are 468 cases and 22 deaths. For updated data, visit: https://fdoh.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/8d0de33f260d444c852a615dc7837c86.
Resources
WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Florida Department of Health: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus
Florida Chamber of Commerce: https://www.flchamber.com/follow-facts-not-fear/
Tampa Chamber of Commerce: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/Your-Chamber/Newsroom/coronavirus-updates.aspx
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce: https://jaxchamber.com/coronavirusbusinessresources/
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce: https://www.lakelandchamber.com/covid-19-resources/
St. Pete Chamber of Commerce: https://www.stpete.com/resource-guide-for-coronavirus-covid-19/
