Recently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida would be moving to Phase 3 of the State’s reopening plan.
Jack-O-Lantern and Witch Way
Under Phase 3, locations like bars, pubs, and nightclubs, which earn more than 50% of sales from alcohol, are allowed to operate at full capacity, with limited social distancing guidelines. Restaurants are also no longer subject to capacity restrictions.
Today, Dr. Anothy Fauci spoke with Good Morning America about the pandemic. GMA host Amy Robach began the segment by noting that deaths from COVID-19 worldwide is nearing one million, and that 33 states are reporting increases in cases. Dr. Fauci noted that while there are certainly parts of the United States that are doing well, there are states that are starting to show upticks in cases.
©Good Morning America
Robach then asked Dr. Fauci about Florida’s decision to ease restrictions opening up bars and restaurants in light of these developments. Dr. Fauci noted that it was “very concerning” to him. According to Dr. Fauci, “when you’re dealing with community spread, and you have the kind of congregate setting where people get together, particularly without masks, you’re really asking for trouble.”
Dawa Bar Check-Out
Dr. Fauci clarified, however, that he’s “not talking about shutting anything down.” Instead, he said, what he’s talking about is utilizing “common sense type public health measures.” When asked what it would take to advocate for a shutdown again, Dr. Fauci said he’d like to not go there again because it causes a lot of collateral problems, and that we want to do everything we can to avoid a shut down.
Thirsty River Bar
According to NBC News, Florida is still “one of the states hardest hit by the virus.” NBC News spoke with Cindy Prins, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions, who said, “I think that given the level of Covid-19 still circulating in Florida and the inability to socially distance in most restaurants with 100 percent capacity — and without masks — this could very likely cause an increase in cases.”
Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks
In Disney World, several bars have reopened including Thirsty River Bar and Dawa Bar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and places like Weinkeller in EPCOT have begun serving wine and beer by the glass again. Other spots, like Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar reopened some time ago, but some, like Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, remain closed.
Dawa Bar
Disney has already noted that they would not be making any immediate changes as a result of this transition to Phase 3. So, while Florida has lifted certain capacity restrictions, that doesn’t necessarily mean Disney will be altering their current capacity limitations or practices in the immediate future.We’re on the lookout for more updates on this situation, so be sure to come back for the latest news.
Click here to read Disney’s comments about Florida moving to Phase 3.
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Thanks for putting this Dr Fauci Interview where I can see it.
This is very important and I am so glad he’s out there.
I have family in Florida and I worry.
I’m sorry to read all the nasty comments
With respect to Dr. Fauci, no one elected him.
This will end poorly
I’m so glad I don’t work in healthcare in Florida. They have done such a poor job. I just wait for the email recruiting nurses and giving us upwards of $100/hr to help. Hopefully some us can
Correct. He earned his position with education, studies, and peer review.
True, Dr. Fauci wasn’t elected. He was appointed to the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
I’m local. WDW is about an hour away from us. Haven’t visited WDW for a few years but I have friends who have and sometimes want to know what’s new so I inform them from sites such as this. We haven’t dined in restaurants and bars because we’ve been eating at home. Ordered take-out once. Had been wanting to learn more recipes and this has been our chance to broaden those skills. I’ve been regularly shopping stores and grocery stores throughout the phases. There are still people wearing masks and sanitization centers so it doesn’t look like much has changed other than the employees aren’t counting the occupancy. The amount of customers still looks like it has inside. Masks are still required in the same counties which mandated the usage when one can’t be more than 6 feet from others. Masks aren’t required for exercising so folks have been getting walks and riding bikes. For those who are weighing the no fines for masks which was in place in a few counties in Florida, this may curb some of the violence by those who have hit mental breaking points. There are many not directly tied to the theme parks who have lost jobs and have been trying to find work in an geographic area which had been pretty robust. There have been a number closed businesses. This has significantly affected those in the middle and low income brackets. The rate of new cases had been declining for awhile as well as the mortality rate, so the new phase had been expected. I’m concerned about the economy and mental health of those who are struggling and need employment.
In “Fauci-speak”, the phrase “very concerning” should be interpreted as, “Listen, people, this is really bad.”
There’s a balance that seems to work well – or at least well enough – with reduced capacity, lots of air flow, masks, washing hands, and distancing. It’s a delicate balance. But DeSantis just threw an 800lb weight on the teeter-totter.
Hopefully Disney takes any further expansions slowly and deliberately.
Dr. Fauci was not elected but somebody has to stand up to take care of our American friends. We, in Canada are very concerned. Obviously, the man you elected has been doing the poorest job of all countries leaders. Thankfully there are only 4 weeks left.
It amazes me how everyone is so quick to say how bad of a job “He” has done.
Never in the anywhere in the entire world. Ever, has anyone had experience with a worldwide pandemic. Or knew how bad it was going to get. But everyone knows just what they would have done. How much better so and so would have done ….. malarkey. This is foreign territory for all. There are no experts . We are all living and learning as we go. With some hits and misses from, Doctors, Scientists, Pharmacies. Etc etc. So go on and tell us how you think it should have been done. 🙄