BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry issued Emergency Order 20-26 on Friday night allowing adult entertainment establishments and other nightlife businesses to reopen during the pandemic. Performers providing live entertainment must maintain at least 10 feet of distancing.
Gov. Ron DeSantis temporarily suspended Broward County’s ability to fine individuals for not wearing a facial covering during the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced on Friday. But Henry’s order still enforces social distancing and capacity limitations inside businesses.
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“Our community has taken measured steps in our reopening to better promote public health and control our COVID-19 numbers," Henry said in a statement, "because of the Governor’s order, I am compelled to expedite the opening of certain establishments.”
According to Lori Shepard, a spokeswoman for Broward County, officials may enforce certain local rules with respect to the Phase 3 reopening. Henry’s emergency order emphasizes the importance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Henry’s order limits table uses to six people. Also, bar counters must remain closed unless there is a plexiglass partition, and costumers are 6-feet apart. Dining areas still have to remain closed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
“Local jurisdictions retain some rights to impose guidelines and restrictions,” Shepard said.
Broward County Mayor Dale V.C. Holness said that with the reopening of all remaining businesses, it is as important as ever to adhere to local emergency orders, including wearing facial coverings, practicing social distancing, and good personal hygiene].
“This is a very important time in the recovery process to understand we must not let down our guard,” Holness said.
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