Orlando businesses consider going back to curbside-only service as COVID-19 cases surge

ORLANDO, Fla. — Just as Orlando businesses began getting in a routine of reopening their doors with social distancing protocols in place, some are considering going back to curbside-only service to keep customers and staff members safe.

On Monday, Florida hit more than 100,000 COVID-19 cases, with more than 5,000 of those in Orange County.

Tim Varan, the owner of Tim's Wine Market, reopened his doors to customers in May. But on Friday, he said his store is going back to curbside-only service.

READ: Florida COVID-19 cases top 100,000 with more than 5,000 now in Orange County

“One of our biggest concerns we have right now is for our own staff, and we don’t want them getting sick. And it’s easier to limit contact if we do all curbside,” he said.

Varan is not alone in deciding to close his doors. Several Central Florida bars and restaurants have either had to close for cleaning after a customer or staff member tested positive for the virus, or have preemptively gone back to curbside- and take-out-only service as cases have spiked over the past two weeks.

READ: Will’s Pub, Lazy Moon Pizza among Central Florida businesses closing after exposure to COVID-19

IN-DEPTH: Some Central Florida businesses close after COVID-19 exposure Will's Pub has closed its doors again.

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