Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
March 17, 2020
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis this morning announced that all bars and nightclubs will be closed for 30 days, beginning at 5:00 p.m. today, March 17, 2020. DeSantis made the announcement at a brief press conference.
While restaurants will remain open, the Governor is requiring them to screen employees for positive responses to trigger questions asked during the coronavirus screening process. He has asked restaurants and patrons to opt for to-go orders and curbside service in lieu of in-house dining.
He also indicated that four University of Florida students with recent travel experience have tested positive for coronavirus and an elderly man in Broward County has passed away from the virus.
He announced that he will be talking with university presidents about using online learning for the remainder of the spring semester.
CDC Guidelines with respect to public gatherings will apply to beaches, while specific localities may impose stricter guidelines.
“This is the floor for Florida for the forseeable future,” DeSantis said. He added that some jurisdictions are going further than the state, and he supported those efforts as well.
In view of the fact that some counties have not reported a single case, DeSantis seemed to favor local decision making with respect to extending state guidelines further, at least for now.
The state’s goal at this time is to reduce crowds and density of public gatherings. DeSantis stressed that young people are the key to the success of these efforts to lessen the risk of coronavirus.
To view the entire 6 minute press conference, click here.