DeSantis announces Phase 1 re-opening starting May 4

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Today Governor DeSantis announced that Florida will enter Phase One of his “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.”

The main changes are that restaurants can offer outdoor seating with appropriate social distancing and can offer indoor seating at no more than 25 percent of their capacity. Bars, nightclubs, and gyms will remain closed. The order doesn’t mention hair salons specifically, but DeSantis said they will not be permitted to provide services, and the FAQ says they will only be allowed to sell products.

Businesses that were closed under previous Executive Orders may open “indoor retail storefronts” if they operate at no more than 25 percent of capacity and follow CDC and OSHA guidelines.

Medical elective procedures may resume, including dentists and orthodontists, under specific conditions.

You can read the full order here.