Florida reopening plan, what business can do on May 4

Florida will be taking baby steps to reopen the economy starting Monday, May 4, but what that means for Disney World is still a big unknown.

Florida’s stay at home order ends today and starting at 12:01 a.m. on Monday retail and restaurants will be able to open their buildings to only 25% capactiy, according to a new Executive Order signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The reopening of Florida’s economy will be done thoughtfully and will be data-driven, DeSantis said.

According to the new executive order:

Florida residents should:

• Avoid congregating in large groups. Local jurisdictions shall ensure that groups of people greater than 10 are not permitted to congregate in any public space that does not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing.
• Avoid nonessential travel, including to U.S. states and cities outside of Florida with a significant presence of COVI-19.
• Adhere to guidelines from the CDC regarding isolation for 14 days following travel on a cruise or from any international destination and any area with a significant presence of COVID-19.

Business changes include:

• Bars, pubs and that derive more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages shall continue to suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
• Restaurants and food establishments may allow on-premises consumption of food and beverage, so long as they adopt appropriate social distancing measures and limit their indoor occupancy to no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy.
• Restaurants and food establishments may allow outdoor seating with appropriate social distancing. Appropriate social distancing requires maintaining a minimum of 6 feet between parties, only seating parties of 10 or fewer people and keeping bar counters closed to seating.
• Gyms and fitness centers shall remain closed.
• Hair salons, barbershops and nail salons will remain closed.
• The prohibition on vacation rentals remains in effect
• In-store retail sales establishments may Open storefronts if they operate at no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy and abide by the safety guidelines issued by the CDC and OSHA.

Public and health establishments:

• Schools will remain closed and continue to use “distance learning” from home.
• Elective medical procedures may resume.
• Museums and libraries may open at no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy, provided, however, that local public museums and local public libraries may operate only if permitted by local government, and any components of museums or libraries that have interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, remain closed.
• Visits to senior care facilities are still banned.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings said restaurants in the county, where Disney World is located may reopen.

DeSantis did not specifically mention Disney World or other theme parks, but it appears Disney theme parks would not reopen until at least the next phase.