John Willoughby
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
Just days after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his plans to bring the state's economy back to life at a minimum, Madison City Manager Jerome Wyche is announcing local plans to reopen safely and slowly. This announcement comes just one day after Gov. DeSantis' stay-at-home order expiring at the close of day on Thursday, April 30.
"Although the executive order [has] expired, citizens should be attentive to the information issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)," said Wyche. "Citizens should be attentive to practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently with soap and water or use of hand sanitizer, refrain from touching your face and wearing of masks."
Before the order's expiration, Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference that was made public to Floridians through nearly all forms of media. During the series of announcements, Gov. DeSantis made known his intentions to reopen some businesses in the state beginning as early as Monday, May 4. "He was adamant that all efforts to reopen should be 'safe, smart and step-by-step,'" Wyche added.
The following specific steps were listed under the governor's phase one plan to reopen the Sunshine State:
Schools will remain in a distance learning mode.
Visits to senior living facilities and long-term care facilities are still prohibited.
Elective surgeries statewide may resume.
Restaurants and places that provide prepared food may open with outdoor seating by recognizing and enforcing social distancing.
Restaurants may open for indoor services at 25 percent seating capacity.
Retail stores may open for 25 percent indoor capacity.
There is no change in bars, gymnasiums or personal services, such as beauty salons, nail salons and similar businesses.
"Citizens should not take the easing of restrictions lightly and begin gatherings in groups of 10 or more as these actions may contribute to a spike of the virus," Wyche added. "Mayor Rayne Cooks, in concurrence with the city commission and the city manager, stated that 'reopening must be done in an organized fashion, with concentrations on safety measures and exercising precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.'"
As made effective on Friday, May 1, Madison City Hall is now open to the public, but visiting citizens will be expected to wear a mask. Madison residents may choose to continue utilizing the outside depository on the east end of city hall or the online payment method found on the municipality's website, www.cityofmadisonfl.com.
While there are signs on expert-gathered data that COVID-19 may be on a decline, data also makes it clear that the pandemic is not over. During phase one of reopening the state, businesses in food service and other goods are expected to enforce social distancing guidelines by limiting and monitoring large groups of customers. Locations that offer a dine-in experience may choose to continue carry-out serve or limit services inside their facility. Wyche adds there was no mention of places of worship and other places of gathering, however, leaders should exercise extreme caution.
The City of Madison will not be accepting requests for use of public parks, aside from Sumpter James Park, where Madison County Community Farm Share distributes food to the needy weekly. The opening of parks for large gatherings (e.i. birthday parties, sporting events, etc.) remains postponed until further notice.
For more information, call City Hall at (850) 973-5081.