How Governor’s Order Affects Key West

While Governor Ron Desantis’s order issued this week allows for some non-essential businesses to open under strict safety guidelines, others must wait until the next step in this phased approach.

Bars and nightclubs must remain closed. Personal services, which include hair and nail salons must also remain closed, but may sell their retail products in accordance with the restriction to 25 percent occupancy within the building. Gyms, too are to remain closed.

The order allows some restaurants to begin opening up, again with very strict guidelines. Those with certain state licenses may allow on-premises dining as long as they adopt appropriate social distancing measures and limit their indoor occupancy to no more than 25 percent of the building’s allowable occupancy. In addition, outdoor seating is permissible with appropriate social distancing. Appropriate social distancing requires maintaining a minimum of six feet between parties, only seating parties of 10 or fewer and keeping bar counters closed to seating.

The order stresses the continued recommended distance of 6 feet between individuals and no more than 10 people in a gathering.

Retail establishments may open storefronts as long as they operate at no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy. Museums and libraries fall under this same strict guideline.

The City of Key West has adopted this order, which goes into effect on May 4th, for businesses in the City. The City’s directive for wearing facial coverings inside where there are more than 10 people remains in effect.

If the community remains cautious, it will allow this phased reopening of our economy without sacrificing public health.

If a business owner has a question about opening, please review the Governor’s Order at https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/egov/documents/1588272861_09642.pdf.

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