COVID-19 hit Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pretty hard. Just as people in the city started to believe that things were starting to get better, the number of cases and deaths began to spike, bringing the city back to square one.
Today, Fort Lauderdale is in phase three of reopening, which means that the guidelines are somewhat laxer than before.
Q: What Is Fort Lauderdale’s Reopening Plan?
A: Mayor Dean J. Trantailis has brought the city into phase three of reopening, which means new guidelines for restaurants, bars, and other businesses. With the cases and hospitalizations spiking in many parts of the country, there is currently no date set to reopen completely.
Q: Is It Mandatory To Wear a Mask In Fort Lauderdale During COVID-19 Pandemic?
A: Yes. Residents are required to wear masks when out in public. They are also expected to wear masks if they are in large groups outdoors when it isn’t possible to remain six feet apart.
Q: Are Restaurants Open in Fort Lauderdale?
A: Restaurants are open and are allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity. They are required to close from 12AM to 5PM. The following phase three guidelines must be observed:
- There must be six feet between tables, both indoors and outdoors.
- Patrons who are not members of the same household must stay six feet apart while standing in line.
- Patrons must wear masks unless they are eating or drinking.
- Patrons can sit at the bar as long as they remain six feet apart from patrons who are not part of their household.
- Restaurants must provide hand sanitizer, post signs, put tape on the floors, and provide disposable condiments, food service items, and menus.
Q: Are Gyms Open in Fort Lauderdale?
A: Yes. As of June 5th, gyms have been permitted to operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing. Also, gyms are required to sanitize frequently. A professional sanitizing company like Enviro-Master can fully disinfect all surfaces in a facility on an ongoing basis.
Q: What Businesses and Services Are Open in Fort Lauderdale?
A: Now that the city is in phase three, all businesses and services are open as long as COVID-19 guidelines are followed.
Q: What Does Fort Lauderdale Define as an “Essential Business?”
A: There are several types that Fort Lauderdale considers to be essential businesses. These include:
- All healthcare providers
- Grocery stores, produce stands, food banks, and convenience stores
- Food cultivation such as farming, livestock, and fishing
- TV, radio, newspaper, and other media
- Gas stations and auto-repair shops
- Car dealerships
- Banks
- Hardware stores
- Post office
- Laundromats
- Veterinarians
- Liquor stores
- Marianas
- Funeral homes
- Pet stores
- Any business where employees do not deal with the public
- Waste management
Q: Are Large Gatherings Allowed in Fort Lauderdale?
A: Residential gathering can have no more than 10 people attend, whether it is taking place inside or outside.
Weddings and other special events can have up to 100 people, as long as they social distance. Also, there are no buffet or family-style meals allowed. Finally, there is no dancing allowed except for special dances like the bride and groom’s first dance and the father-daughter dance.
Ballrooms and banquet halls may open at half capacity.
Q: How Can Floridians Keep Business Going During COVID?
Businesses in Fort Lauderdale can keep going as long as business owners are responsible. They must insist that their customers and employees wear masks and social distance. Also, businesses should make sure that the premises are clean and sanitized by staff and a professional disinfection service by a commercial cleaning company, and they need to follow the guidelines set for their specific type of business.
