Business leaders from around Florida are in the process of meeting to determine the safest steps to reopen the state’s economy. While considering the current global health situation, they’re working with recently presented federal guidelines. These leaders have been coming together as the Re-Open Florida Task Force (of which Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro is an Executive Member) appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
This weekend, Governor DeSantis spoke regarding the current state of the health crisis in Florida, sharing that Central Florida has likely passed its peak.
David Strong, the CEO of Orlando Health, was present for the meeting and stated how he believes “the peak has passed,” citing that the highest patient number across the system at Orlando Health occurred on April 8th with 54 patients and that as of Sunday morning the number was 13. “The trending follows the first or second week of April [as the peak],” according to David Strong.
Florida-themed Orange Bird Mural in Disney Springs
Governor DeSantis also shared is that all of Orange County had 116 hospitalizations on April 7th due to the crisis, and as of this past Saturday night that number was down to 68.
Looking forward, Governor DeSantis shared that FDA-approved kits are slated to arrive on May 1st in order to increase antibody testing and that pharmacists will also be able to provide testing.
Florida residents remain under the current stay-at-home order through April 30th.
Though this presentation was separate from the Re-Open Florida Task Force meetings, we have been sharing the discussions from the task force regarding the future of the state’s theme parks, restaurants, airports, and more. To read more about the current impact of the global situation specifically on Disney destinations around the world, you can visit any of the links below.
Source: fox35.com
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Are you following the current events in the state of Florida? Let us know in the comments.
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The number of cases in Orange County/Central Florida is irrelevant for reopening Disney World. The minute that Floridians from Dade County, Jacksonville, Tampa, or Tallahassee start visiting the park, the virus spreads again. What about what happens with the rest of the country returns? Now, I’m not saying that the Park should stay closed, as I’m still planning on flying down from NJ in early October, I’m just saying that there has to be more preparations and planning than just saying “the curve is down only within the county of the Parks”.
I am watching diligently. We have a trip planned in September. Although we know things are not going to be the same. We really need this It is great news Florida is past it’s peak. Praying it stays that way. As the whole world is trying to do its part in healing, we all need a sense of normalcy.
For some families (ours especially)Disney World has always been a place of refuge when we just needed to escape from the pressures of everyday life. (An escape from reality if you will if for no other reason sometimes than to just charge our batteries). Now more than ever we long for an escape But, know even our safe place is no longer exempt from the harsh reality of this “new normal”. You have our sincere empathy and support as you make these very difficult decisions moving forward as we know this is no easy task.
We are grateful for the 39 years of wonderful family memories and look forward to once again visiting our home away from home soon!
We will be praying for all who have the heavy burden of taking on this task.
God bless!