Florida’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 21, 2020

In an effort to combat the rapidly-spreading COVID-19 virus and following bold moves by the governors of New York, California, New Jersey, and Illinois, Florida now joins the small group of states attempting to slow the curve.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on Friday, March 20th, 2020, which closed down gyms, fitness centers, and restaurants – requiring the suspension of “on-premises food and alcohol consumption for customers,” but added that establishments who provide delivery services and take-out options would remain operational. The order lifts “the restriction that prohibits a specially licensed food service establishment from selling package sales of alcohol for delivery, take-out or consumption off-premises for restaurants. Alcohol sales to go with food that is pick-up or delivered will be permitted and I.D. will be required for orders including alcohol,” according to statements from the Governor’s office.

Additionally, Gov. DeSantis deemed it necessary to close both Broward & Palm Beach County beaches due to their popularity…leaving it up to local governments to make decisions in regards to their own coastlines. Which they ultimately did, with the last one in Panama City closing up just this morning. According to Florida Health Reports, the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus rose again today, with 658 confirmed cases – 158 of which originate in the aforementioned counties.

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to rapidly spread across the United States and the world, our great citizens of Florida (and the rest of the nation) are understandably struggling with, what seems to be, a new reality. As temporary as we are all hoping this will be, the harsh truth is that we honestly do not know when our lives will go back to “normal”. We are being called upon as citizens to do our part to decrease the advancement of this deadly disease. Increase the frequency in which you wash your hands, work remotely if possible, cancel all non-essential appointments, and stock-up (don’t panic-buy) on essentials for your family.

Practice basic preparedness and good common sense during these troubling times. And remember…we are all in this together.

Sources:

• Florida Health: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Response (COVID-19)
• Gov. DeSantis orders all Florida gyms, fitness centers, restaurant dining rooms to close
• Panama City Beach among last in Florida to close beaches
• Florida directs all restaurants to move to take-out, delivery only

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.