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Reopening Florida: What reopened Monday?

ORLANDO, Fla. — Most of Florida was able to enter phase one of a three-phase reopening plan Monday, except for the three counties with the most COVID-19 cases in South Florida.

But what was allowed to reopen Monday?

According to the plan, here is what is able to reopen in phase one:

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  • Restaurants and food establishments can operate at no more than 25% capacity. Restaurants should also maintain a minimum of 6 feet between parties.
  • Retail stores can reopen if they operate at no more than 25% of their building occupancy and abide by the safety guidelines issued by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
  • Museums and libraries may open at no more than 25% of their building occupancy. The plan said local public museums and local public libraries may operate only if permitted by local government. Child play areas must remain closed.
  • Elective surgeries may resume.
  • A limited number of state parks can open for daytime use only. Visitors will not have access to certain amenities, such as pavilions, picnic areas and campsites due to sections of the park being closed or staff and visitor safety considerations.
  • Public Beaches can reopen and beach access should be limited to parties of 10 or less with 6 feet of distance between groups. Beach closures should remain a local government decision.

DeSantis said in phase one schools, bars, gyms and personal services will remain closed.

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Katlyn Brieskorn, WFTV.com

Katlyn Brieskorn is a Digital Assignment Editor at WFTV. She joined Channel 9 in July 2019.