What to Know
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced state's second phase of reopening, Wednesday
- Bars and movie theaters will be allowed to open their doors at 50% capacity
- South Florida counties excluded from plan
Bars and movie theaters across Florida will be able to open their doors for the first time in almost three months, according to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' second phase of reopening. Missing from the plan, however, are South Florida counties Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.
At a news conference at the NBC Sports Grill and Brew in Universal Orlando, DeSantis said the plan would go into effect this Friday.
Both bars and theaters will be able to open at 50% capacity, while restaurants can now allow seating at bars.
Gyms will also be able to operate at full capacity.
During the second phase of reopening, individuals who are 65 or older are recommended to stay away from large crowds of 50 people or more.
While South Florida will not be included in the initial reopening date, county mayors can still send a written request to the governor asking to be added.
"Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach may seek approval, have a plan, submit it through the mayor or county administrator," DeSantis said. "They're on a little bit different schedule."
DeSantis' announcement comes days before some major theme parks in Orlando are set to reopen after months of being closed due to the pandemic.
Universal Orlando said in a statement issued last Friday that hotels will be carefully managed in phases, and will reopen with a range of best practice and hygiene procedures.
Universal's resorts include Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort-Surfside Inn and Suites.
Guests staying in the resort hotels will be able to visit Universal's theme parks on June 3rd and 4th, before they open to the public on June 5th.
Social distancing and face coverings will be required for guests and employees in public areas at Universal resorts as will temperature checks be required for guests, employees and vendors. Guests will be asked to self-screen for symptoms and comply with quarantine orders prior to arrival. There will also be hand sanitizer stations in public areas and elevator landings.
Universal Studios and WTVJ-TV operate under the same parent company, NBCUniversal.
