JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WTXL) — Gov. Ron DeSantis will allow gyms to reopen on Monday as the state moves into an "full" Phase One of the reopening plan.
The governor made the announcement during a press conference on Friday.
Starting Monday, May 18, restaurants and retail stores will be allowed to expand inside seating from 25 percent of capacity to 50 percent. Restaurants were already allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity for outdoor seating.
Gyms will also be allowed to reopen, provided they follow stringent sanitization procedures laid out in the plan.
According to the governor's reopening plan, under Phase One gyms and fitness centers can reopen with the following guidelines:
- Operate at no more than 50% of building capacity
- Adhere to strict social distancing and sanitation protocols, including cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces
- Separate patrons by at least 6 feet
- Encourage appointment only or scheduled use of equipment
- Prohibit indoor group sessions or classes
All Florida sports teams will also be allowed to begin training on Monday. The governor welcomed pro sports, saying training facilities can re-open.
DeSantis also addressed amusement parks, saying they can also begin submitting plans to reopen to the state with potential dates and safety measures.
Movie theaters and bars will remain closed for now.
As far as short-term vacation rentals are concerned, Gov. DeSantis said the county can submit plans to the state for review.
While counties can request reopening of short term rentals, they must have safety plan. He said those plans will not likely allow out of state renters and allowances will be made on a "case-by-case" basis.
For long term care facilities, DeSantis said all staff and employees will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing. The governor also said that hospitals are required to test all patients who will be released to long-term care facilities for COVID-19.
Gov. DeSantis also said that he was working on a plan to regulate international travel to and from Florida at the request of President Trump.
You can watch the full press conference below:
