DORAL, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis held a COVID-19 press briefing Thursday afternoon in Downtown Doral, at which time he confirmed that he has approved the reopening plans for Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
He also announced that he is extending a moratorium for evictions and foreclosures until June 2.
DeSantis said the counties’ plans are not identical, although local leaders did collaborate on some key issues.
The governor clarified, however, that while he approved the plans, he does want to take another look at the request to allow the two counties to have up to 50 percent occupancy inside their restaurants.
Both county mayors said they are confident the governor will approve that request, although the rest of the state is only having up to 25 percent capacity at restaurants.
Hair and nail salons will operate at 25 percent capacity.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said his reopening plans were made in collaboration with medical experts.
Click here to view Reopening Rundown: Miami-Dade and Broward counties’ guidelines
He said the county’s reopening plan has a clear, color-coded system with information residents need to know amid the new normal.
As some non-essential businesses get ready to reopen Monday, Gimenez said he believes the limited reopening will be good for the public, as people get fresh air while still maintaining social distancing guidelines.
“We’re not talking about opening all businesses yet,” Gimenez reminded residents.
He said everyone needs to act as if they are an asymptomatic patient and could spread the virus to others.
Broward County Mayor Dale Holness said his reopening plan is similar to Miami-Dade’s, but there are a few differences, including that homeowner’s associations in Broward will be allowed to reopen their gyms and pools on Monday with some restrictions in place.
Holness said he and Gimenez have agreed to reopen beaches at the same time, so that people do not all flock to one location.
He said they expect to reopen beaches by May 26 at the earliest.
According to Holness, all municipalities in Broward County will follow the same guidelines.
Mayors throughout some areas of Miami-Dade County, including the cities of Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah and Miami Gardens, said Wednesday that they plan to reopen more slowly than the rest of the county.
DeSantis said he will be making an announcement Friday regarding the reopening of gyms throughout the state.
He said he has advocated for people to take advantage of Florida’s sunny weather by going outside for recreational activities since it is easier for people to maintain social distancing outdoors and people are more likely to contract COVID-19 while in a confined space.