CAPE CORAL, Fla -- Starting Friday, a number of Southwest Florida businesses will be able to start their road to rebounding for the first time since the pandemic. Governor Ron DeSantis has officially announced Phase 2 of his "SAFE. SMART. STEP-BY-STEP" plan to reopen the state.
It means a number of businesses have told Fox 4 they've felt forgotten about with Phase 1, will again be able to open their doors.
This includes bars and pubs who will be able to operate at 50% capacity indoors, and full capacity outdoors. There will be an emphasis on diminished standing room and social distancing. For example, you must be seated to get served.
Restaurants will also be allowed to open bar-top seating, also with proper social distancing.
As for entertainment businesses, the following will be able to operate at 50% capacity:
- movie theaters
- concert houses
- auditoriums
- playhouses
- bowling alleys
- arcades
These business must also ensure appropriate social distancing and sanitization protocols.
Gyms, fitness centers, and retails stores will be able to operate at full capacity under Florida's Phase 2.
The governor is encouraging Floridians to avoid groups larger than 50, as we transition into this next phase.
Tattoo parlors, acupuncture establishments, tanning salons and massage establishments may operate under phase 2, so long as they adhere to guidance from the Florida Department of Health.
Phase 2 applies to all Florida counties except Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Those three counties must get the state's approval before being included in Phase 2.
