Alyssa Ridenour
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis initiated phase three of the state's reopening plan last Friday, Sept. 25, immediately lifting all bans and restrictions that are pandemic-related. Phase three will stop local governments from imposing mask mandates, shutting down businesses and setting capacity requirements lower than 50 percent for businesses. However, bars and clubs will continue to operate at 50 percent unless local governments approve increasing their capacity.
In order for local governments to continue phase two COVID-19 restrictions, they must meet state-governed requirements and will be required to provide statistics, numbers and proof of a need for action before they can continue to impose mandates, restrictions and bans. Local governments can still put restrictions on capacity in place, as long as they still allow a minimum of 50 percent capacity.
In reference to restaurants, bars and clubs, DeSantis stated, “I don’t think that the closure of restaurants has proven to be effective. I get how you could potentially have spread there...But we can’t have these businesses dying. So, they’re not going to be able to be closed by locals anymore. And they will be able to operate at the capacity that they’re comfortable with.”
People caught not abiding by the old guidelines will no longer be subject to fines or penalties, and those who have outstanding charges for failure to comply to pandemic guidelines will have their charges suspended. “I think we need to get away from trying to penalize people for social distancing,” said DeSantis.
Despite the lifting of restrictions, DeSantis advised people to still remain vigilant and be aware that we could get hit with a second wave of cases. “People shouldn't think it's over. They shouldn't think it's done. We could easily see a resurgence. I don't think anybody knows,” stated DeSantis.
Even with the lifting of COVID restrictions, DeSantis stated that private businesses may continue operating under self-imposed restrictions if they choose to do so. They may continue to require their customers to wear a mask and social distance, depending on what they feel is best for their operation.
Despite the changes in restrictions, Florida will continue to be in a state of emergency until Tuesday, Nov. 3.