Florida governor: Bars, movie theaters, tattoo shops and more can reopen Friday

State to enter phase two of reopening, excluding Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.


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  • | 2:10 p.m. June 3, 2020
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Movie theaters like Sun-Ray Cinema will be allowed to reopen at 12:01 a.m. June 5.
Movie theaters like Sun-Ray Cinema will be allowed to reopen at 12:01 a.m. June 5.
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Gov. Ron DeSantis announced plans for phase two of reopening the state effective 12:01 a.m. June 5.

The order will be signed June 3 and cover 64 counties in Florida, excluding Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. 

Florida entered phase one of reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic May 4. 

Bars and pubs can reopen at 50% capacity in phase two, but only for seated service. 

Entertainment services, such as movie theaters, arcades, concert houses, playhouses and bowling alleys, can reopen at 50% capacity.

Personal service businesses not yet open, such as tattoo and piercing parlors, tanning salons and massage parlors, can reopen under guidance from the Florida Department of Health.

Retail stores and gyms will be able to operate at full capacity in phase two. 

Social distancing and other precautions, such as frequent sanitation, must continue at the establishments.

Pari-mutuel facilities can seek to operate with a written request from their county’s administrator to the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation secretary. 

DeSantis said a task force for reopening universities will present plans June 23.

People 65 or older are still encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit their exposure to COVID-19. Long-term care facility employees should still be routinely tested under phase two, and people should avoid gathering in groups larger than 50. 

“I think it will give more people in Florida more opportunities,” DeSantis said. “I think it’s the right way to go forward.”

 

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