Florida Governor DeSantis Reopens Florida Despite Average of over 100 Deaths Per Day

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis today issued an Executive Order reopening the state despite being in the process of battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the state of Florida, we are today moving into Phase 3 and what that will mean for the restaurants is that there will not be limitations from the state of Florida,” said the governor during a press conference.

“The order that I’m signing today will guarantee restaurants operate – will not allow closures – they can operate at a minimum of 50% regardless of local rule and if a local restricts between 50 and 100 they’ve got to provide the justification.”

As of this writing, the moving 7 day average of deaths in Florida is at 101. On September 24 the total number of deaths has reached 13,795 and the 7 day moving average of new cases is at 2,655. Additional data from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) can be found near the bottom of this page.

By comparison, New York State’s 7 day average of new cases has been below 1,000 since it began its phased reopening. To this day, the state still does not allow indoor dining in most of the state above 50%.

Following, are portions from the Governor’s Executive Order NUMBER 20-244 (Phase 3; Right to Work; Business Certainty; Suspension of Fines.)

Section 2. Right to Work and Operate a Business

No COVID-19 emergency ordinance may prevent an individual from working or from operating a business. This preemption is consistent with Executive Order 20-92.

Section 3. Restaurants

1. Restaurants, including any establishment with a food service license, may not be limited by a COVID-19 emergency order by any local government to less than fifty percent (50%) of their indoor capacity. If a restaurant is limited to less than one hundred percent (100%) of its indoor capacity, such COVID-19 emergency order must on its face satisfy the following:
2. quantify the economic impact of each limitation or requirement on those restaurants; and
3. explain why each limitation or requirement is necessary for public health.

Section 4. Suspension of COVID-19-related Individual Fines and Penalties

This order, consistent with Executive Order 20-92, suspends the collection of fines and penalties associated with COVID-19 enforced upon individuals.

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Following data comes to us from the CDC and reflects Florida’s Health Metrics for the month of September. Interestingly, the Department of Health for Florida reflects much more favorable numbers.

Below is a related youtube video, courtesy of Bloomberg QuickTake: Now