Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gives updates about the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic during a press conference on April 17, 2020 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | Getty Images
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is still formulating a plan to reopen Florida’s economy, said on Saturday he does not envision movie theaters or bars opening any time soon — or allowing sporting events with fans until “far in the future.”
DeSantis this week has contended that Florida’s “measured” approach to shutting down the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic has “flattened the curve.” The Republican governor set up a task force to examine reopening the economy, and he is supposed to start reviewing its recommendations next week.
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But during a press conference held at a South Florida hospital he cautioned that “I’m not in a rush to do anything.”
The governor came under fire for waiting until early April to issue a “safer at home” order and for refusing to close beaches statewide. DeSantis has left decisions on beaches to local officials. His “safer at home” order is scheduled to expire Thursday.
In response to questions, DeSantis said Florida is operating under an approach similar to phase one of the White House’s reopening guidelines.
But DeSantis added that he would not be in favor of reopening movie theaters even with social distancing restrictions in effect. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has given permission to let theaters reopen in the coming week.
“You are much better off being outdoors,” said DeSantis, himself an avid golfer who has given up his hobby amid the pandemic.
DeSantis also said he plans to keep bars closed and that he does not envision letting the public attend any sporting events until “far in the future.” The governor has given the green light to professional wresting bouts and a May golf match featuring well-known golf pros Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods in a celebrity pairing with football stars Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. DeSantis had done so because he says people are desirous of “content” since professional sports in the country has been shut down.
The one area where DeSantis appears inclined to move ahead quickly on is allowing hospitals and medical professionals to begin performing elective surgeries. That order is scheduled to expire on May 8. DeSantis said he stopped elective procedures to preserve hospital supplies and beds, but said that Florida continues to have capacity. But health care providers have said that the order has severely curtailed revenues, prompting some facilities to furlough employees.
“I think that going to have to be done,” DeSantis said about lifting the restrictions.
Florida currently has close to 31,000 coronavirus cases, and 1,055 people have died due to Covid-19. Nearly 4,000 people are currently hospitalized.
Source: politico.com
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